Miami with Kamalich and Meme and the Mondrian Hotel Upgrade...

Hello Friends,

I haven't been to Miami for 11 years.  I used to come here for the Calle Ocho Music Festival where they feature Latino and Caribbean Music.  It is often called the nation's "largest block party and hispanic festival.  This festival took place last month so I just missed it.  What I have noticed on this trip to Miami is how different Miami looks to me as I am now older.  Before, I would be all over south beach and visiting all the clubs and parties.   Now, I took a more chilled out and relaxed vacation to Miami with my friends.  Kamalich and Meme are staying at the famous Mondrian Hotel for the week.  They were nice enough to let me stay in their room and get a pull out bed for me.  

This is considered a 5 star boutique hotel.  The prices of the rooms are insane and the food is ridiculous but it is one of those trendy, modern hotels that do offer some luxury that the other big chain hotels do not.  The entire hotel is basically all black white with flashes of color to pop the decor.  Our friend Meme is quite the talker and was able to convince the nice hotel to give us an upgrade to a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite with a bay view balcony.  Thanks Meme!  :) What a way to stay on my last night in Miami before heading home!

http://www.mondrian-miami.com/en-us/#/home/

Meme

Meme and I on the balcony

Sunset

Meme, Kamalich and I

pool side sunset

Pool side

Pool side at sunset

Mondrian lobby

Kamalich and I

Sexy Mamas.. Meme and Kamalich

We are so excited about our huge upgrade to our 2 bedroom, 2 bath suite!!!

Our living space

Our Kitchen

One of the bathrooms

One of the bedrooms

Our balcony

View below from our balcony

Kamalich and I

I am finally back on the mainland and wanted to visit my brother in West Palm Beach before returning back to Chicago.  My brother has been living in Lake Worth, Fl for the past 7 years.  He has been working at this Cuban/Nuevo Latino restaurant, named Cabana and took me there for lunch.  It was delicious!  Thanks Manoy.

http://www.cabanarestaurant.com/

Manoy and I

Camarones de Coco

Coconut dipped shrimp with a maduro mash

Tostones Relleno: fried green plantains stuffed with chicken sofrito and ropa vieja

arepas con queso:  corn meal cakes with queso blanco (white cheese) melted on top