Wynwood Kitchen & Bar

Photo Credit: Miami Culinary Tours.

Wynwood has become one of Miami's must-go-to neighborhoods for residents and tourists alike. It has experienced exponential growth over several years and especially the past few months. With attractions ranging from the Wood Tavern "landmark" to its second-Saturday-of-the-month Art Walks, it's a neighborhood that offers a different perspective of Miami. And in the midst of its artsy and innovative decor, lie numerous gems, including Wynwood Kitchen & Bar. Located next to Wynwood Walls, the restaurant embodies the essence of Wynwood's art scene all along its walls. With seating both in- and outdoors, you can experience completely different environments with the air-conditioned section running more along "elegant" lines, while the breeze-based part appears more laid back. One key feature about WKB is that its menu is geared largely towards tapas, appetizers, and dishes made to share, not necessarily full-fledged entrees. Last I visited, we ordered a variety of plates. These were the Tuna Tartare, Queso Frito, Pork Belly, Shrimp Tacos and Skirt Steak skewers. The first dish that was

Photo Credit: Yelp!

brought out was the tuna. It was not served in the traditional, cake-like fashion; rather, the tuna came to the side, with the cucumber-topped avocado on the other. The tuna was perfect, but I would have added a little more flavor to its accompaniments. Next, the pork. We had initially not ordered the dish--it was brought by mistake. However, it was definitely the best mistake. Possibly the plate we enjoyed the most, the pork belly was tender--breaking down under our silverware--with a little spice and lots of flavor. The tacos came soon after, with the shrimp laying on a bed of lettuce and tomato and topped with a chipotle glaze. While good, I will probably try a different dish next time I visit. The skirt steak skewers, however, are definitely on my list. The meat was also tender, not too rare nor overcooked, and the chimichurri complemented it perfectly. Finally, the queso frito, while the last to arrive, is not nearly the last on the list. It comes accompanied by papricka sausage and overlaid with "salsa rosada." Both of which make the dish absolutely delectable. Overall, I greatly enjoy my visits to WKB; however, my biggest recommendation: Make a reservation!!

MIA Bruhaus

Photo Credit: Google.

The place I have been waiting for has arrived. Located on 104th NW and 33rd St., a white building stands tall, with the letters M, I, and A in bold, bright colors. MIA Bruhaus is the laid-back place to go after work, classes or just as an excuse for a night out. Especially if you are part of my crowd: the beer lovers. I visited it for the first time this weekend, and I cannot explain how packed it was. As we walked inside, a loud and energetic atmosphere caught us by surprise. It's immediately distinguishable from the typical bar environment, presenting itself as a community of people who enjoy good company and better beer. The center of the room is taken up by the long bar; the wall against it displaying its varied menu. Along the sides, there are high tables, small tables and booths. On the far left, the walls turn into glass, through which you can see the birthplace of the drinks in front of you. Before the glass plays a live band, whose enthusiasm is just as effective as the heaven-made drink in your hand. I loved the extensive menu, and the fact that the beers--at least those I tried--were extremely enjoyable.

Photo Credit: Zoom Into Miami.

For instance, the Miami Weiss (pronounced Miami "Vice," it makes me wonder if there was some hidden intention!) tastes wheaty and a tad hoppy, and man did I enjoy it. Next, the Blue Monster. Brued with agave and aged for 12 months in tequila barrels. It is dark and strong--in flavor and in alcoholic content at about 9%. It's definitely worth the try! The great thing about MIA Bruhaus is that they also serve food. To go with our beers, we ordered the Buffalo Chicken Nachos. They were delicious! They are quite flavorful--and messy--and great to share. The only thing to improve is the small terrace surrounding the building. Given that is was so full, we decided to sit on the wooden benches outside. Since it's Miami and it rains so very often, the farther sides of the benches were drenched, and only after some squeezing and sharing with other parties were we to get settled. But overall, MIA Bruhaus is definitely one of my favorite new places to chill.