A few weeks ago I had to go to Miami for work. I travel a decent amount but I haven’t been back to Miami in 5 years so you can imagine my excitement when this opportunity came up. To be fair I enjoy working and love my job, but traveling to exotic locations and getting to enjoy new cities is a huge benefit to it. After being in Miami for two weeks I was reminded of how much I love the weather in November. It was in the high 80’s and 90’s everyday much different than the 20° cooler temperature I left back in LA. This time around I stayed at the Royal Palm Miami. The Royal Palm is part of the SPG hotel group which I’m a frequent member of. Their SPG properties are located in most major cities and offer a great rewards program Starwood Preferred Guest member benefits.
The Royal Palm Miami is a posh boutique hotel. My suite had the coziest bed. It was a blessing and a curse because getting out of bed was a chore. In fact I ordered breakfast in bed a couple of days so I could stay and enjoy my comfortable room. The hotel staff were all very accommodating and quick to deliver. Of course you can’t fly all the way to the East Coast just to stay in bed so I sought out the local food scene around the strip. I suggest spending time between Brickell and Downtown Miami, but since I was in town for work I had limited time to explore the neighborhood spots. A few places that I highly enjoyed for dinner were Bodega and Byblos. Bodega is a casual taco bar with a nightclub attached. It’s a cool, trendy spot and fun for drinks. They stay open late so you can get your dance on and snack on tacos after. Byblos is 180° opposite of Bodega. It is a fine dining restaurant with a Middleterranean menu and a modern middle eastern vibe. I was on the hunt for Turkish cuisine when I stumbled across this restaurant. I had dinner on the patio because I prefer a view, but the chic interior decor of this eatery is very inviting and worth the visit. I highly recommend trying the Black Truffle Pide // Buffalo Mozzarella + Halloumi + Tartufata and Yogurt Baked Fluke // Toasted Bread Crumbs + Walnuts + Brown Butter. You won’t be disappointed.
I saved my top restaurant pick for last because it deserves an entire article on its own. My choice to satisfy your food cravings is Miami Soho House. My husband and I are members of the private club and frequent their restaurant often. I prefer to dine in for their Sunday brunches because it is by far the most delicious brunch in town (whichever city you may be in). The Soho Beach House was perfect during our stay. The tranquil poolside is divine. Soho is a perfect place to hole up for a staycation if relaxing is high on your travel agenda. Of course it is a members only club and very exclusive so they don’t like people ogling over the decor on snapchat and Instagram so I had to sneak a photo after dinner. After all this particular club house commands bragging rights. The restaurant maintains a true beach vibe complete with sand and picnic style tables. The waitstaff are all very attentive and ready to serve you. I ordered the lamb chops a dish I’m partial to anywhere. The way Soho prepared this particular plate was perfection. They were absolutely the best lamb chops I have ever tasted no contest. My mouth waters thinking about them while writing this. If you have the opportunity to dine at Soho House I HIGHLY recommend trying the lamb chops. Your tastebuds will thank you for doing so. Its a shame I could not stay an extra two weeks for Art Basel this week because it is such a cool experience. For all you art lovers headed that way enjoy! I wish I could join you.
Until next time, Miami you will be missed.
