Here is my experience in photos:

Elia Gourmet offers both indoor and outdoor seating. We sat outside, as we liked the airy feel on the patio.

You definitely MUST have these Bacon wrapped Moroccan  dates. They are stuffed with goat cheese, mascarpone and a drizzle of fig glaze.  Highly recommended!Fall off the bone and tender Baby Back Pork Ribs with a touch of kale, ginger and apple puree and citrus pickled portobella mushrooms. Oven Baked Salmon-Spanakorizo -Atlantic Sapphire Lettuce wraps with roasted sweet peppers and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. This was tasty, though for my liking, the skin was slightly too salty for me.

Crispy Panko breaded Chicken breast -topped with arugula, fresh mozzarella and cherry tomato salad simply dressed with evvo and aged balsamic. I was delighted at how fresh the veggies were on this dish.

For dessert, we had Homemade Baklava and Oreo Cheesecake (not pictured here).

While dining at Elia Gourmet, I definitely felt the love and passion for good, simple, and fresh food. My must-eat recommendation are the Bacon wrapped Moroccan  dates. You can find Elia Gourmet in Downtown Miami at 900 Biscayne Blvd #105, Miami, FL 33132

Other Tips:

• Elia is Greek for “olive or olive tree, a source of peace, victory and wisdom but the core of the Mediterranean diet as well”
• Elia Gourmet constantly receives requests from diners to get their fresh ingredients to use for their own cooking. In response, they are expanding the business to include Elia Market. Elia Market will be opening in Wynwood soon at 196 NW 36 Street. While there, you can grab a quick lunch, or shop for fresh items for your meal at home.

Have you been to Elia Gourmet? Do you plan to? Feel free to let them know I sent you

Thanks to Elia Gourmet for having us!

The post Downtown Miami Restaurant: Elia Gourmet appeared first on Join Me in Miami | Miami Food, Fashion & Luxury Lifestyle Blogger | Lifestyle Blog.

My first introduction to Jamaica Kitchen was a night watching a rerun of The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and dives, and I knew I had to visit:

So I rounded up some hungry friends, and we headed over to Jamaica Kitchen.

Outfit Details:

Striped off-the shoulder top (similar)

Blue Bag (similar)

Blue Jeans (similar)

White pumps (white pumps)

The restaurant was busy when we arrived, and we took time to look around. The only way I can describe inside of Jamaica Kitchen is that it felt like home. It was intimate and warm. I do have to warn you that seating is limited, so get there during low traffic times or order take-out/take away. Also keep in mind that similar to many Caribbean restaurants, they are closed on Sundays.

Each day they feature a new soup. On Saturdays, they serve Beef Pumpkin Soup.

Monday is Chicken Pumpkin, Tuesday is Red Pea, Wednesday is Peppa Pot (one of my childhood favorites), Thursday is Red Pea, and Friday is Gungo Pea soup.

The guy who introduced me to Jamaica Kitchen – Guy Fieri

There were symbols of Jamaica sprinkled throughout the restaurant.

If you need to restock or stock up on Jamaican grocery items, you’ll find many items to choose from.

In addition to traditional Jamaican dishes, you can also try Chinese dishes, that you may not ordinarily find in traditional Chinese restaurants. These type of restaurants are not uncommon in Jamaica.

Just in case you are wondering – a Chinese Jamaican? The short version of the story is that after slavery was abolished in the British West Indies in the 1800s, many Chinese and East Indian settlers were brought over as indentured laborers. As a result, there is African, Chinese, and East Indian influence (to name a few) on West Indian food.

So, what did I have to eat at Jamaica Kitchen?

I ordered a feast of 1 beef patty, 1 quart beef pumpkin soup, curry goat with rice and peas, and plantains, with ginger beer.

I spoke briefly with the main cook, Alfred. In this moment, I was telling him about my Jamaican and Montserratian background.

Later, I received a tour of their kitchen, and saw where all the magic happens!

Thanks to Guy Fieri for helping me discover this hidden gem restaurant in Miami.  And I hope that through me, you have discovered a new Jamaican restaurant to add to your eat list. It’s definitely worth a visit for authentic Jamaican food! To visit Jamaica Kitchen Restaurant, check them out online or in-person at  8736 SW 72nd St, Miami, FL 33173 or call: (305) 596-2585.

Have you ever been to Jamaica Kitchen? Do you have other Jamaican restaurant recommendations in the South Florida area?

The post Jamaica Kitchen Restaurant, Miami appeared first on Join Me in Miami | Miami Food, Fashion & Luxury Lifestyle Blogger | Lifestyle Blog.