Virginia Otazo

Miami

Staff Writer at The Infatuation

General Manager of Doi Moi in DC

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Articles

6 Miami Restaurants That Know What The Word Spicy Means

1 week ago | theinfatuation.com | Ryan Pfeffer |Mariana Trabanino |Virginia Otazo |Carlos C Olaechea

On the shelves of B&M Market, you’ll find a row of mason jars filled with a crimson liquid dotted with pepper seeds. The unnamed Caribbean pepper sauce is made and bottled in-house by B&M’s chef. It is her own proprietary blend and it is an addictively painful masterpiece. It’s just as flavorful as it is spicy (and it is very spicy). There’s a quick slap of heat up front followed by a savory burn that lingers for a few moments before you inevitably spoon more of it over whatever you’re eating.
Where To Go If You Miss The Old Coconut Grove

1 week ago | theinfatuation.com | Virginia Otazo

photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllcIn our lifetime, we’ve witnessed two CocoWalk remodels, busker evictions, and one Fat Tuesday come and go in Coconut Grove. Change is inevitable in Miami, but this neighborhood is on the precipice of something more drastic: salivating Miami developers. The Grove has always been a haven of old-school Miami, a neighborhood you can go to detox from Brickell overexposure.
Sandbar Sports Grill

1 week ago | theinfatuation.com | Virginia Otazo

Nothing sends us digging into a hole of embarrassment faster than memories of Sandbar in the Grove. It’s the Murphy’s Law of bars—where the thud of grown men falling off chairs competes with a lot of woo-ing. This is where you go to drink migraine-inducing cocktails named after hurricane categories. If you’re over the age of 25, we know we’re not selling you on this place—and we’re honestly not trying to.
Kuba Kitchen will work if you need a Cuban meal near the airport. - Review - City Of Miami - Miami - The Infatuation

2 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Virginia Otazo

This Cuban spot in West Flagler is near the airport. So if you’re a tourist who somehow forgot to eat vaca frita while in Miami, you can do that here before your flight. Their version is fine. It has a good sear but it’s missing those garlic and citrus flavors we expect from a great one. Their Cuban sandwich skimps on the pork too. Still, it’s all better than anything you’ll eat inside the actual airport.
14 Miami Restaurants We’ve Always Wondered About - Miami - The Infatuation

4 weeks ago | theinfatuation.com | Virginia Otazo |Ryan Pfeffer |Mariana Trabanino

You know this spot. There’s a freaking warplane on the lawn and artillery weapons aimed at the Dolphin Expressway out back. It’s been there for decades—at the periphery of the airport and your curiosity. Here’s what’s inside: WWI memorabilia, a panoramic view of planes taking off, and very average food. But it’s the only restaurant where you can listen to air traffic control through retro headphones provided at each table.
To Be Determined on Coral Way has a small menu that focuses on what’s in season. - Review - Coral Way - Miami - The Infatuation

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Virginia Otazo

Obsession—it’s what you’ll feel after a night at To Be Determined. You’ll pine over raw scallops with prickly strawberry aguachile and pray you’ll taste their creamy flan again. But like their name suggests, the menu is TBD. This restaurant’s dishes change weekly, chasing whatever ingredients are available and fresh. And while everything from the candlelit dining room to the eight-dish menu is small, the flavors are not.
Disco Fish - Review - Coral Terrace - Miami - The Infatuation

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Virginia Otazo

This Cuban restaurant in West Miami is over three decades old—the kind of place where you’re greeted with a complimentary tray of limes for your water and a “mi amor.” If the assortment of trophy marlins and sharks hanging overhead didn’t give it away, you’ll be eating seafood here. The menu is filled with six pages worth of oysters, fish tacos, and seafood rice. But we like the whole fried hogfish because you get to personally pick it out from an ice display and tell them how you want it cooked.
Old Tom’s Sports Bar

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Virginia Otazo

Tom’s looks like a hotel. And it kind of is. The building is half Ramada Inn, half sports bar. Don’t try the door under the big neon sign (it might be someone’s room). Use the one at the corner. Once inside, you’ll see a Harley mounted on top of a booth and an unusually high population of Midwesterners. They’ve even got cheese curds on the menu for them. That’s because, aside from being attached to a hotel, Tom’s is across the street from the airport.
Vizacaya Village Farmers Market

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Virginia Otazo

Vizacaya’s Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 9am to 3:30pm. In the summer, the canopy formed by the ancient oak trees shields you from the beating sun. And if that doesn’t do the trick, grab a sno-ball from Spoonbill’s Snoballs. Urban Oasis Project is there too. Their stand is where you can buy fresh, organic fruits and vegetables while supporting the non-profit in their endeavor to help underserved communities and local farmers.
The 5 Best Farmer’s Markets In Miami

1 month ago | theinfatuation.com | Mariana Trabanino |Ryan Pfeffer |Virginia Otazo

photo credit: Mariana TrabaninoFarmers markets are an objectively heartwarming opportunity to support local businesses and eat vegetables. All the farmers markets on this guide are a reliable bet for smoothies and produce, but each has its own unique strengths. There’s one we love for breakfast, one right next to the beach, and (hopefully) one that will become a permanent part of your weekend routine.