Annette recommends stuff around south Florida to make your life a little more fun. She only recommends stuff she loves. This is not a review site, there are plenty of those, this is only stuff that we really enjoy. These are completely her opinions and in no way paid-for endorsements. Hope you enjoy, as well!

• Celebrity Designer Gustavo Cadile To Headline 6th Annual Catwalk For Charity 9/22/19

  

  Celebrity Designer Gustavo Cadile To Headline 6th Annual Catwalk For Charity Sunday, 09/22/2019 – 12:00 pm – 04:00 pm JW Marriott Marquis 255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, Florida 33131 Website Cost: VIP Cocktail reception tickets are $300. General tickets are $250 Catwalk for Charity, the year’s most anticipated fashion fundraiser in South Florida returns for its sixth consecutive year! This prestigious annual event which boasts more than 400 of top designers, celebrities, tastemakers and philanthropists will take place on Sunday September 22nd, 2019 at the JW Marquis in Miami, FL. The event is hosted by Angels for Humanity, a Florida-based nonprofit organization, and benefits impoverished ...

• Annette Recommends Youth H2O

  I have to say I was skeptical at first, as I am with all products that make claims of making you look younger and weight loss, but I went in with an open mind.   You take Youth H2O for three weeks, you drink one shot a day for 5 days and then 2 days off (I put mine in the freezer for about an hour) then you take a week off and then repeat the cycle.   After three weeks, I saw a difference, my complexion was better, my skin more radiant and it seemed to help me maintain my ...

• Annette Recommends Flame Caffe and Grill

  We went for dinner at Flame Caffe and Grill on Española Way, and I have to say the food was absolutely amazing. We both started off with a Sauvignon Blanc – Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve and the Wild Mushroom Vol-au-Vent. I love mushrooms and this was heavenly; mushrooms sautéed in garlic, herbs and white wine in puff pastry, served in a  mushroom cream sauce with a little truffle oil.  For the main course, I had the Seafood Paella Rice and this was the best paella I have had. It had an assortment of fresh Florida seafood; calamari, shrimp, scallops, mussels ...

• Annette Recommends Seasons 52

  We got a tasting from the new Summer Menu at Season 52 in Coral Gables.  Started off with a BBQ Chicken Flatbread and Artichoke & Goat Cheese Flatbread.  They were both so yummy but the Artichoke & Goat Cheese one was my favorite…so good which was paired with Aveleda Vinha Verde, Portugal ’10/’11 very light and refreshing.  The first course was a Chilled Lobster & Shrimp spring roll with three different dipping sauces, cool salsa verde, aromatic lemongrass and sweet-hot red chili, this was paired with Hirsh #1 Gruner Veitliner, Kamptal ’09/’1 Sauvignon Blanc this was my favorite wine for the ...

• Annette Recommends Monty’s Raw Bar South Beach

  The newly renovated Monty’s Raw Bar South Beach is really nice, I love the decor in the main room.  They put in a lot of big screen TV’s,  it is a great place to watch whatever sport you love.  The food was really good, we started off with the peel and eat shrimp, they were a good size and so tasty, cooked perfect, and the cocktail sauce had just enough horseradish in it to give a nice bite.  We ordered the fried calamari, french fries and the grilled Mahi Mahi with mashed sweet potatoes and greens and it was so ...

• Annette Recommends Bolivar Restaurant and Lounge

  This was my first time to Bolivar Restaurant & Lounge and we tried a variety of their foods and everything was amazing.  Started off the evening with one of their signature cocktails a Lulo Bolivartini very yummy!!!!  For the first course had the Arepa con Ahogado  and then they brought out a platter with grilled corn on the cob topped with spicy butter and cheese, Colombian blood sausage, Colombian sausage, grilled artichokes and I have to say it was one of the best artichokes I have had or close to it.  Next was seafood Ceviche shots and they were full ...

• Annette Recommends of Bernie’s LA Cafe

  Bernies LA Cafe is one place I have been wanting to go for some time, but for some reason or another just never made it.  Sure wished I would have the food is so fresh and so good.  We started of with the Crudo – tomato salsa with homemade chips. I got the Foot-Long Choripan (Grilled Colombian Sausage) with chopped red onion and pineapple relish and you can pick between mixed field greens or fresh cut fries.  The sausage was so good and the relish gave it just the right touch, I did not even put any condiments on it, yes it ...

• Annette Recommends Odysseo by Cavalia under the White Big Top at Bicentennial Park

  We went to opening night of Odysseo presented by Cavalia and The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts  under the White Big Top at Bicentennial Park in downtown on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. All I have to say is the show is truly amazing, between the astounding horsemanship and acrobatics combined with the awesome scenery and visual effects, this show will leave you wanting to see more.  This is one show you will not want to miss. The  show is very serene and breathtaking, from the beautiful horses to the spectacular acrobats.  The staging area is so big, at some points ...

• Annette Recommends Schnebly Redland’s Winery

  Schnebly Redland’s Winery is  & Brewery an awesome place to go and spend the afternoon or just pickup a couple bottles of wine.  They make fruit wines, like: Mango, Lychee, Avocado, Passion Fruit, Guava and more.  They also make Sparking Fruit Wine and they just started their own brewery with beers infused with fruit.   You have to do the tasting while you are there, the Original tasting is only $7.95 and you get to choose 5 of theier exotic tropical fruits and you keep the etched Schnebly wine glass as souvenir.  Or you can do the Special tasting for $9.95 you get your choice of five different ...

• Annette Recommends Allegro Original Marinade

  Allegro Original Marinade is a great marinade for any meat, I have used it with chicken, pork, steak (all cuts) and it is so yummy.  It adds such a great flavor with out overpowering the meat.  I so recommend this on everything.  Check out their website for recipes and the history of Allegro.  You can purchase it at Publix or any supermarket, I have found it with the other marinades and sometimes by the meat section.  They make several different flavored marinades and bar-b-que-sauce.  Enjoy!!!!!!

• Annette Recommends Capital Grille

  We went to Capital Grille on Brickell for dinner, which was my first time at a Capital Grille.  The food was amazing, we started off with the Prosciutto wrapped mozzarella with vine ripe tomato with a balsamic glaze.  For the main course I got the lamb Chops and they were cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. James ordered the Porcini rubbed with 12 year aged balsamic which I have to say was one of the best steaks I have ever had.  To go with the main course we ordered the creamed corn and with smoked bacon and the fresh mozzarella , ...

• Annette Recommends Exquisito Restaurant in Little Havana

  We have heard so many great things about Exquisito Restaurant in Little Havana so we finally decided to go.   Wow, we should have go sooner!  The place is small but the food is awesome. I got the Ham Shank with boiled yuca and the best soup I have had in a long time.  The ham just fell off the bone and the flavor was so good, with just a hint of smoke (Yummy).  James got the Fried King Fish and French Fries, the fish was really good and cooked just right.  Their prices are so inexpensive and their specials ...

• Annette Recommends King Automotive

  I have been taking my car and truck to King Automotive for years, they are honest and very knowledgeable.  This is a family run business a when you take your car in you feel like part of the family.  You know you are getting the best service at a great price, and you know when you leave that you car is fixed and done right.  I will not take my car anywhere else, I so highly recommend King Automotive!!! King Automotive 260 NW 28 St Miami, FL 33127 (305) 576-3515

• Annette Recommends La Ventana Colombian Restaurant

  We went to La Ventana Colombian Restaurant on Washington Street, such a cute little place.   I had the Colombian hot dog and it was so yummy, it had bacon, pineapple sauce, cheese, pink sauce and potato strings, it had a little bit to it and was awesome.  I also order a side of yuca fritas and chicharron and both were really good.  James order the fish soup, more like fish stew, it had large chucks of fish, yuca, corn and plantains, it was awesome.  Mark order then Carne en Salsa Criolla, steak in creole sauce with rice, salad and ...

• Annette Recommends Robert is Here

  Robert is Here 9200 SW 344th Street Homestead, FL 33034 (305) 246-1592 www.robertishere.com I just love going to visit Robert is Here. Robert is always there and willing to answer any questions you may have or help you pick out what you are looking for. Every time I go, I ask Robert to pick out a mango that will be ready to eat either that day or the next, and he has picked the perfect one every time. One of the best thing there is the Good and Evil Pickles which is pickles, jalapenos and garlic cloves, and oh my gosh these are the best things ...

• Annette Recommends Alma Mexicana on Miami Beach

  We went to Alma Mexicana on Washington last night for a late dinner.  I ordered the pastor (pork) sandwich, it was on flat bread, and it was the most delicious sandwich ever.  We also order the smothered green chili burrito with rice and beans, I was so amazing this is a must order.  The last thing we order was a pastor burrito and it was really good, not quite as good as the smothered burrito but really, really good.  They have a salsa bar and I tried all of them and they were all awesome. Alma Mexicana is a wonderful ...

• Annette Recommonds the Key Lime Pie at Van Dyke Cafe

  I know this is a very specific recommended but Van Dyke Cafe Key Lime pie is that good.    Van Dyke’s Key Lime pie is the best I have tasted, I know I have not tasted all of the Key Lime Pie (I believe I have a new mission in life).  The pie has just the right amount of tartness (has more bite to than most) and the graham cracker crust is just perfect, melts in your mouth.  So if you have not tried their Key Lime Pie it is worth a trip to Van Dyke’s on Lincoln Road to ...

• Annette Recommonds The Spa at One Bal Harbour

  I visited The Spa at One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa on Sunday, November 21, 2010. This is an amazing spa, very beautiful, amazing staff and what a view. First thing I did was get a massage and I have to say it was one of the best massages I have had and was so relaxing. Then, I headed outside to the waterfront terrace and had a glass of champagne while watching the waves crash against the rocks, I did not want to leave.  To top off the day, it was spent with wonderful friends, all hanging out getting massages, pedicures, ...

• Annette Recommends Havana Harvest by Robert Landori

  Just read Havana Harvest by Robert Landori.  This novel takes place in the late 80’s and centers around the United States and Cuba relations and is loosely based on real events.  The main character is an American CIA agent and it takes us though his involvement and the realization of what is actually happening and along with him are some very top ranking characters inside the Castro regime, spies from both sides and he adds a bit of romance to make it a wonderful novel.  If you like spy thrillers this is a book for you. From the Publisher: Though the book ...

• Annette Recommends Rik Rak Salon, Boutique & Bar

  I have to say that you can find the best places to eat in the most unlikely places.  Rik Rak is a upscale full service salon with a little cafe.  They serve beer, wine, Prosecco, pasta, sandwiches and a lot more.  I ordered the tomato basil soup with a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato.  This was the best tomato basil soup I have ever had, the chef  makes it fresh everyday and what a difference it makes. I just can’t give it enough praise you just need to go order it.  The grilled cheese was a gourmet grilled cheese with tomato ...

• Annette Recommends Escopazzo on South Beach

  Went to Escopazzo Restaurant on South Beach an Organic Italian Restaurant.  I had the rigatoni with sausage and broccoli, wow it was so good, it had so much sausage in it.  It was perfect. We also ordered off of their raw menu which does not contain any dairy products, it is entirely vegan.  We tried the zucchini pasta. it was so tasty and yummy.  The place is so cute, has a nice cozy front room and then you go down a hallway to another room, very cozy.  So, if you find yourself on Washington Ave and hungry for nice organic Italian ...

• Annette Recommends Happy Hour at Transit Lounge UPDATE: CLOSED

  UPDATE: THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED Transit Lounge 729 Southwest 1st Avenue Miami, FL 33130 We wanted to find someplace with for happy hour but it was a little after 7pm and most happy hours end at 7pm.  So, after calling several places found out that Transit Lounge happy hour goes until 8pm, so we headed there. All drinks and food are 1/2 price (except for a couple of alcohols, like Johnny Walker Green and a couple more) and they were doing a Rock Band Competition karaoke. We ordered our first round,  Apple Martini, a Dirty Martini, I had Tequila and OJ (my favorite) and an order ...

• Annette Recommends Kingdom

  Finally made it to Kingdom and order their King burger with cheese and bacon and an order of fries and onion rings.  Their fries are amazing the seasoning that they put on it is so good the onion rings are really good too.  The burger was really good, cooked perfectly and the bacon was so good.   The place is go cute, it is small but has a wonderful ambiance.  If you have not made it up to Kingdom it is worth the trip. Kingdom 6708 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33138 (305) 757-0074

• Annette Recommends Cafetto Coffee & Cocoa on South Beach – UPDATE CLOSED

  CLOSED! Unfortunately, this wonderful place has closed down. Cafetto on South Beach is one of my favorites, they have great hot chocolate.  I finally tried their food, I ordered the ham and cheese and I have to say I was surprised, it was one of the best ham and cheese panini that have had.  Also we tried a couple of the tapas, the Spanish omelet and bread with tomatoes and mozzarella. The omelet was really good but the bread was amazing.  They have free wifi, so if you work from home and can take your computer up to Cafetto, this is a ...

• Annette Recommends Tonino Lamborghini Tonino Lamborghini Caffe Corsa in The Village at Gulfstream Park

  Tonino Lamborghini Caffe Corsa in The Village at Gulfstream Park is a really wonderful Italian restaurant.    The staff was outstanding, the food was amazing and the prices were very good, expectally for the quality of food you receive. Okay here we go, first they brought over a basket of bread and three sauces, olive oil with balsamic vineger, sun-dried tomato, and a herb cheese.  The first course was an arugula and parmesan salad with a lemon dressing, and I have to say this was one of the best salads I have had, it was very light and really, really ...

• Annette Recommends Jamie Cullum The Pursuit

  Jamie Cullum just released  his new CD The Pursuit.  This is an awesome CD, great jazz music, one of my favorites is the first track “Just One of Those Things” , I love the big band sound of this one.  I really enjoyed every track, each one has a different style and sound.   This was my first introduction to Jamie Cullum and I look forward to hearing his other CD’s. -Annette – – – – – – – – – Buy at Amazon: The Pursuit (Special Edition with Bonus Track) – – – – – – – – – – JAMIE CULLUM LAUNCHES “ONE ...

• Annette Recommends Cafe Del Mar on South Beach

  Cafe Del Mar is this little place on the corner of Pennsylvania, 7th  and Washington Ave. on South Beach, there is no indoor seating, only  outside seating.  They make such fresh wraps made to order.  As they make  your order you get to add as much toppings as you like and the service is always friendly and fast.  They are open 24/7 so no matter when you get hungry you can always get a wrap, sandwich or salad here.  They also have a very big selection of fruit smoothies that are amazing. Cafe Del Mar 710 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL ...

• Annette Recommends Mambo Café

  We went to Mambo Cafe on Coral Way and everything was WOW.  First they give you fried plantains with a garlic sauce on it , and I ate nearly a full bowl by myself.  I ordered the grilled fish with black beans and rice and sweet plantains and a order of yuca fitas.  Everything was so good and possible the best black beans I have had. Mambo Café 2093 Coral Miami, FL 33145 (305) 856-8525 Click here for their facebook page.

• Annette Recommends – Los Potosinos Taqueria at the Redland Market

  We traveled down to the Redlands and stopped by the Redlands Market to grab a bite to eat.  We decided to stop at Los Potosinos Taqueria, I had the tostadas with pork and it was amazing.  The pork was cooked outside on spit with pineapple,  WOW it was good.  James had the enchilada’s and I have to say it was about the best enchiladas I have had. So if you want really good Mexican food and don’t mind driving about 30 minutes down to the Redland’s, you won’t be disappointed.

• Annette Recommends Casa Toscana

  PLEASE NOTE – THIS BUSINESS HAS CLOSED. I won a gift certificate in a raffle for Casa Toscana, so we invited some good friends for a nice dinner out.  I am so glad we did, the food was absolutely amazing.  We asked the waiter for a bottle of prosecco and he brought us a very nice (extra dry) prosecco, that to our surprise was priced very reasonable and really delicious.  I ordered the pasta special, which was spinach pasta with peas and shrimp, wow, it was that good.  It was in really light red sauce and it was so good, I ...

• Annette Recommends Urbanite Bistro – UPDATE CLOSED

  UPDATE – THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED. Went to Urbanite Bistro during Art Basel, we ordered off of the late night menu, the prices where very reasonable.   The staff was very nice the service was a little slow, but we where in no hurry.  The food was really, really good.  They first served us some complimentary bread with some awesome pesto dipping sauce, it was so good had to ask for more.  I had ordered the shrimp club, and I have to say this was an amazing club, it was a little spicy, which is the way that I like it. ...

• Annette Recommends Lecca-Lecca Gelato Caffe’

  I have to say that Lecca-Lecca Gelato Caffe’‎ has the best gelato I have tried, their fruit gelato is the best.  My favorite is the melon and banana, but all of their flavors are great and yes I have tried just about every one of them.  So if you are on South Beach and are craving gelato this is the place to go. 1051 Collins Street Miami Beach, FL 33130

• Annette Recommends Chu’s Taiwan Kitchen and Bar

  Chu’s in Coral Gables it awesome Taiwanese Restaurant.  When you go there be sure you are not in a hurry, they are a little slow but the food is worth it.    They brought us fried fish chips, that is only way for me to describe it, they were very like and really good.  I had the beef noodles and they were amazing, so yummy, in fact they were so good the next time we went back I order them again.   So far everything we have ordered has been really good, and very fresh. Order the crispy seaweed, it’s ridiculously ...

• Annette Recommends Deco Sandwiches

  Deco Sandwiches’ name is sort of a misleading, they serve a lot more than just sandwiches, and they also serve traditional Turkish food. My favorite, so far is their gyros, it is amazing. But I do have to say they have one of the best hamburgers on the beach, they make it as you order. You have to try their french fries; the seasoning that they put on them is soooooooooooo good. They have some of the best Baklava I have had in a long time. 1361 Washington Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 532-1812

• Annette Recommends Bar-B-Que Beach Bar & Restaurant

  I love this place; the food is always good and yummy. I have tried the ribs, brisket and the chicken, all are really good but my favorite was the baby back ribs. They have quite a few sides to choose from, mac-n-cheese, mashed potatoes, collard greens, etc. The collard greens are really, really good and so are the mashed potatoes but make sure and get the gravy to go with it, it adds a yummy touch. They have six sauces to choose from all are good and very different. I like to combine the sauce to make my ...

• Annette Recommends El Toro Taco Restaurant

  This place is so cute and has really good food, prices are very reasonable and the portions are good, and it’s BYOB. I ordered the pinata plate; it came with two quesadilla’s (your choice, I had the spinach and mushrooms), nachos and a cheese sauce. The cheese sauce was amazing, it made the plate, now don’t get me wrong the quesadilla’s and nacho’s where great too. The service is a little slow, so when you go don’t be in a hurry, just go and have a great time and great food. On the weekends ...

• Annette Recommends La Sandwicherie

  What can I say about La Sandwicherie, it is one of the best sandwich places I have ever been to. The ingredients are very fresh and delicious. As I have stated, their sandwiches are amazing. I usually get the salami, ham and turkey with everything and it is enough for two. They have really, really good salads. My favorite salad is the smoked salmon salad; all I have to say is WOW. They also have smoothies, which sound really good and refreshing, I have not had the pleasure have having one yet, but it is ...

• Annette Recommends Taqueria El Mexicano

  This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant I have been to so far in Miami. The food is really, really good and you can enjoy it in a great atmosphere. Their prices are very good you can eat a very full meal under $10. The service was a little slow but when you take that first bite it was worth the wait. They also have a little sales area that you can purchase spices, salsa and a varity of other stuff . This place is so cute, I will be going back for sure. 521 ...

• Annette Recommends Lucky Strike

  I have to say this is one of my favorite places, the staff is always wonderful and the food is great. I have been to Lucky Strike a lot and I have never had a bad experience. One of my favorites is the baked potato chips, they come loaded with sour cream, bacon and chives and they are SO good. The pizza is also awesome and they have some really good specialty drinks, they have these martinis with pop rocks on the rim, yummy. The music is always good and if you want to watch a ...

• Annette Recommends Con Tutto Pizza a la Pala & Grill – UPDATE CLOSED

  This place is awesome; we went there during the art walk which is the last Friday of every month, so much fun. The atmosphere and the staff were great and they had several people drumming in front of the restaurant just giving it that every touch. We ordered the paradilla for two…ribs, steak, sweetbread, sausage and blood sausage, everything was excellent!! We also ordered the potato salad to go with it and it was some of the best potato salad I have ever tasted. I highly recommend this place for the food, the service and the atmosphere. ...

• Annette Recommends Havana Grove Latin Cafe – UPDATE CLOSED

  CLOSED! Unfortunately, this night little Grove spot has closed down. We where walking down the street during a street festival in the grove and was looking for a place to eat. We came across the Havana Grove Latin Cafe; it looked very inviting so we decided to go in. Everything on the menu looked great, I chose the Ropa Vieja (shredded beef in Creole sauce) with rice and mixed vegetables. WOW was it amazing, the beef was so tender and the sauce was SO good. The waitress gave us a plate of sweet plantains for us to share. ...

• Annette Recommends Chef Creole Seafood & Catering

  This place is awesome, the food is SO good.  I had the steamed shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, it was served with red beans and rice and your choice of sweet or green plantains, I got the sweet plantains.  They brought out this sauce that is amazing, it is very spicy and has such a great flavor, I just poured it all over my red beans and rice and eat almost all of it, this is saying alot as they give you a large portion of beans and rice.  The sweet plantains were also so good.  Everything was amazing, ...