Miami should have something like this

A few weeks ago I went to visit family in Pittsburgh, and despite being horribly sick, I dragged myself out of bed and down to what they call the Strip District. Contrary to what you may initially think, this is not a collection of porn shops and strip clubs, it's actually a collection of grocery stores and specialty shops. And by grocery stores, I mean in the old-world kind of way. Little specialty shops, like butchers/meat shops, Fish shops, bread shops and more.

These shops are great because the meat is cut fresh, the bread is freshly baked and prices are much lower than you would expect. It surprises me that with our Latin and European populations down here, that we don't have an area like this.

Find pictures below:



This is the most famous store, and my family (all Italians) go here each time we go. The guys behind the counter talk to my grandfather and aunt in Italian, which is super cool to me. The inside:



I used to think this place smelled weird when I was a kid because of all the spices.




You can take any selection you want of salami, olives and cheeses.



There are walls of olive oils, vinegar and pastas

Across the street is a coffee shop, which I thought I would like more, but my brother snapped this cool shot, so I am posting it:


However, I was quite a fan of the Biscotti store. As you walk in, you are hit by a wave of wonderful. yummmm



And down the street from Macaroni is Woley's Fish Market, where you can get lunch or buy tons of fresh seafood:


(I made my brother pose with this guy because I found it hilarious)

Miami BBQ

Only in Miami would you find a place where you pull off a major street to eat BBQ, ride ponys and rock out to salsa and reggaeton. And that place would be the Pitt, way down Calle Ocho/8th Street/Tamiami Trail, by the Miccosukee.

I am typically hesitant about BBQ in Miami because I am mainly a fan of Carolina BBQ, but when you've just come from a 15 mile bike ride, you get less picky. I ended up with ribs and El Hombre with the rib/chicken combo, and despite the fact that the ribs are all a dry rub, and not glazed the way I like, they were pretty good. They came with fries and a biscuit, which was more like a cross between a hush puppy and a biscuit. Tasty.

This place also had the cheesy factor which always appeals to me. I would never drive that far just to go for the food, but if you are out in the 'glades and you want to grab something on the way back, it's worth it to go.

tastalicious report

You know, in North Carolina, I doubt I would have ever stopped on the side of the road to buy food. Especially if they were grilling right off a major road. But Miami is different.

If you go to Don Domingos on SW 107th, you can buy grilled meats right there. A churrasco is $8, cooked. Inside you can buy cheese, hot plates, or fresh cut meats. It's all pretty tasty.