Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach, 1/26/23

entrance – 11 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL., 33139

Joe’s Stone Crab was opened as a lunch counter in 1913, before Miami Beach was a city, by Joe Weiss.   He moved south from New York due to his asthma and found he could breathe easier in Miami Beach.  It started as a lunch stand and by 1918 he and his wife bought a small house and set up tables on the porch, calling it Joe’s Restaurant.  For a number of years, they were the only restaurant on the beach and Al Capone was a regular customer (using a different name). Around 1921 a researcher discovered stone crabs, but they were not known to be eaten.   Joe gave them a try and they were an instant hit.  His son Jesse evolved into running the place and had the personality to attract many celebrities and the well-to-do crowd.  The place served food to Will Rogers, Amelia Earhart, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Joe Kennedy and J. Edgar Hoover to name a few.  The third and fourth-generation family members now run the place with some employees having worked there up to 50 years.  It is an institution, to say the least.  A huge place, there are several dining rooms, a large bar and a patio all appointed with formally dressed staff and double white clothed tables.  Service is fabulous as is the food.  An experience not to be missed. Continue reading

Stubborn Seed, Miami Beach, 1/25/23

exterior – 101 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Stubborn Seed has Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13’s winner Chef Jeremy Ford in charge of the kitchen.  It’s a medium-sized place that serves only a tasting menu in the main dining room and various snacks at the bar.  It was very lowly lit, which made photos difficult, had music in the background, got fairly noisy when full, and the small tables were unclothed dark wood.  Paintings and mirrors decorate the walls.  The menu for the evening is on the table and wine pairings are available as are supplements of Perigord truffles, Ossetra caviar and a course of Chawan Mushi.  The server informed the kitchen of our visit and we were gifted several supplements.  A kind and generous gesture but that didn’t win me over, the food did.  It was wonderful, as was the service.  They were justly awarded a Michelin Star in the new Florida guide.  Put this one on your list to visit, sorry my photos don’t do justice to this tasty and inventive cuisine. Continue reading

La Sandwicherie, Miami Beach, 1/24/23

exterior – 229 14th Street, Miami Beach, FL., 33139

La Sandwicherie was started in 1988 to bring simple sandwiches at a good price point to Miami Beach.  Since then they have expanded to include several Florida cities.  The sandwiches are on crisp white or wheat baguettes or soft croissants and all have the signature dressing vinaigrette on the side.  All include veggie toppings of lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, hot peppers, black olives, red onions, cucumbers, and  Cornichons (French pickle).  They also offer salads and a variety of fruit drinks, but no alcoholic beverages.  There is no interior; it’s simply a counter with a few stools and a space designated for ordering.  You can customize your French inspired sandwich in any way you’d like.  The counter workers take your order and make your sandwich and music is in the background.  They are super friendly and helpful.  The sandwiches are wonderful and on great bread. Continue reading