Ortanique on the Mile - Caribbean - Coral Gables

Coral Gables is  one of South Florida's oldest cities and known for its creative and dynamic culinary scene. For the past 19 years, Ortanique on the Mile has been serving some of the city's most innovative and authentically Caribbean inspired food ... 

Describe the restaurant in three words: 

Authentic, Innovative, Delectable

Solo dining rating:

🍸🍸🍸🍸

Parking: 

Parking can be challenging if you're not familiar with the area, and Ortanique on the Mile does not provide valet service. There are parking spots along Miracle Mile if you are fortunate to acquire one. Directly behind the restaurant is a large, multiple level, municipal parking garage, which charged only $5 to park. There is also a walkway from the garage which leads directly to Miracle Mile as well.


Can you eat at the bar? 

Yes; there's a cozy and lively bar towards the rear of the restaurant. There are also several high tops around the bar where you can also enjoy your meal, and catch whatever sporting event may be on their big screen TV.


What to wear:
Although I did not see anyone wearing shorts and T-shirts, the dress code seemed to be on the Florida casual style. Lots of jeans, collared shirts, and summer dresses were worn.

People watching/entertainment/atmosphere rating:

🍸🍸🍸🍸

OLA - Latin American - Miami Beach

Miami Beach is a hot ... and not just the temperature. It's home to some of the best restaurants in South Florida ... including OLA ... Latin American food at it finest ... 

Describe the restaurant in three words: 

Authentic, Tropical, Romantic

Solo dining rating:

🍸🍸🍸🍸

Parking: 

OLA is located in the Sanctuary Hotel in Miami Beach. Parking can be challenging in this area; an Uber is suggested. However, there is an open lot directly across from the hotel which charged $25 to park. I got lucky once again; I found a spot directly in front of the hotel, used @Parkmobile, and paid $8 for about an hour and 45 minute visit.



Can you eat at the bar? 

No. Although there is a lovely, long bar at OLA, it's not there for dining. 

Interior Seating 

What to wear:
Be advised, OLA is fine dining .... diners were dressed nicely in typical Florida Chic attire; most women wore summer dresses or slacks, the men were comfortable in mostly collard shirts. There were some diners who came in wearing shorts, but they were the exception. Dress nicely. 

People watching/entertainment/atmosphere rating:

🍸🍸🍸🍸

Organic/Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options are on the menu. There are twelve different ceviche items from which to choose; Fire & Ice ($18) being their most popular.  The corn empanada ($16) is served with mushroom salad, huitlacoche (a fungus that grows on ears of corn), and sweet corn sauce. Pionono ($26) is a sweet plantain roulade, stuffed with yellow and green zucchini, spinach, pequillo peppers, Parmesan cheese, with homemade tomato and black bean sauce. 

Bubbles + Pearls - American/Seafood - Wilton Manors

Blink and you'll miss it ... and trust me ... you don't want to miss this little gem. In Wilton Manors, Bubbles + Pearls is worth a visit ...  

Describe the restaurant in three words: 
Lively, Trendy, Welcoming

Solo dining rating:

🍸🍸🍸

Parking: 

There is minimal parking along 4th Avenue in front of the restaurant. However, directly across the street is the large City Hall building with lots of space. It was raining on the night I visited; Parkmobile made it easy to pay in the pouring rain.

Can you eat at the bar?

Absolutely! The bar pretty much stretches from the front door to the kitchen.

Bar

What to wear:

Bubbles and Pearls is a very laid back and casual dining spot; think shorts, flip flops, or whatever you may be wearing at the moment.