Going to Abraxas Lounge for my birthday definitely was not enough! I absolutely love that place so I put together a happy hour there on Friday night. Although our bartender was a hater, you just can’t beat the ambiance and killer beer selection. What made it even better? I got to spend time with friends that I haven’t seen in ages! Plus, I made some great new ones in the process. After a few beers, we headed to 8oz Burger Bar for dinner (pure excellence – check it out, foodies!) and then danced the rest of the night away at Automatic Slims. It was altogether a pretty fabulous night. A do-over is needed.

I was born & raised in a Cuban family. I adore Cuban food. But…my mom never really cooked. So a lot of the time, I don’t know certain Cuban dishes that others may consider to be “staples.” I also haven’t visited or am familiar with a lot of little Cuban markets and/or restaurants outside of my “neck of the woods.” Thanks to the hubs, I got to try one of them on Sunday for a sweet little brunch date at Palacio de los Jugos. The Cuban food stand is known for its delicious fresh fruit juices and fabulous hot (& greasy) plates of the best Cuban entrees. It definitely did not disappoint. Pictured above was my meal: a Croqueta Preparada, while the hubs had a Pan con Lechon. We also sucked down some of their famous juices: I had a Mora (type of blackberry) and the hubs enjoyed a Coco Frio (cold coconut) – both were impressive. I can’t wait to go back and hope to dig into one of their hot dishes the next time! Check it out, fellow Miami-ans!