Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum - Miami, FL

Today, Miami is such a melting pot of races and cultures that for many it may be hard to imagine what it was like in the 1950s when segregation was alive and all too real in the city. Well, it was. Separate communities for blacks and whites, meant separate policing and a separate police precinct and courthouse too. 

The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse was designed and built specifically to provide a segregated base of operations for Miami’s black police officers and judge. At the time, the Black Precinct and Courthouse was the first and only one of its kind, recognized as a pioneer in trying to bring some level of equality to policing in the black community. The precinct closed in 1963 when the police department was integrated into the main Miami police precinct after segregation ended. Today, it houses the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum.

The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum is not only a pillar of history for the African American community, but for Miami as well. It's not a large museum and does not contain many artifacts. What it does have is plenty of history and information. Since it is ran by the City of Miami Retired Police Officers Community Benevolent Association, your visit to the museum means meeting and having the opportunity to speak with a retired police officer of the City of Miami Police Department and possibly one whom served in the Black precinct who has vast personal knowledge of policing in the city of Miami.

It is not a typical museum and not at all what you might expect. It is a one of a kind experience though. Visit the museum and learn the history of the "First Five" and so much more.

Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum

480 NW 11th St, Miami, FL 33136

(305) 329-2513

http://historicalblackprecinct.org/ 

Admission Prices

$15 per person

Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	10:00AM–4:00PM
Wednesday	10:00AM–4:00PM
Thursday	10:00AM–4:00PM
Friday	10:00AM–4:00PM
Saturday	10:00AM–4:00PM
Sunday	Closed

2015 FIA Formula E Miami ePrix: Electric Car Race

 

March 14, 2015

Downtown Miami, FL

miami.fiaformulae.com

People’s Bar-B-Que - Overtown - Miami, FL

I was really in the mood for some BBQ, but did not know where to go so I did a little Google searching for a place and found People’s Bar-B-Que with a lot of positive reviews. Good reviews and the fact that it was in the hood, I decided to go there because those things must mean that they had authentic BBQ.

 

The reviews I read were mostly great, but it definitely couldn't be because of the service (the girl at the counter couldn't get my order right and had attitude) or the atmosphere (plain and basic), it had to be because of the food.

 

After a bit of a wait, I finally got my food (ribs and chicken, however I ordered only ribs). It was pretty average BBQ, although the sauce would not be described as a typical BBQ sauce. The sauce had a surprisingly nice taste and flavor though. I was just a little annoyed eating the ribs because they were randomly chopped (not by each rib) and the sauce was excessive (I got some on my clothes). The sides were pretty decent.

 

 

Basically it was good but I doubt I would ever go back. The unique sauce made it interesting, but other than it was pretty standard.

 

 

People’s Bar-B-Que

360 NW 8th St, Miami, FL 33136
(305) 373-8080

Joey's Italian Cafe - Wynwood/Edgewater - Miami, FL

Oh, how I love Wnywood! The art, the hipsters, the hidden gems! Which translate to, not the friendliest service but a very cool looking restaurant while dining in Wynwood.

Boasting to have the best pizza in Miami, Joey's was a definite to check out. The Diavola crust was crispy, and it was pretty good, but self-proclaiming yourself as the best sets yourself up to scrutiny and for that I wasn't very impressed.

At the servers recommendation, I decided to try their one of their special dishes which was a combination of two pastas. I found the pasta to be way more impressive than the pizza was. It was the best of two dishes rolled into one amazing meal.

Finishing off I had a Pear Tart for dessert. I don't  even like pears and I found it to be pretty good.

The gelato was decent but I would come here for that. The Pistachio gelato was flavored rather than being made with actual pistachios.

Don't think I didn't leave without a cocktail. I ordered a Juanito (Vodka, Malibu Rum, Mango Pure Cranberry Juice topped with Chambord) and while it was refreshing, it tasted almost virgin.

I would definitely go back to Joey's for that pasta but not much else!

Joey's Italian Cafe
2506 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
(305) 438-0488
www.joeyswynwood.com

Palette Miami Festival 2014

Date/Time:

Saturday, February 8: 3pm – 9pm

Location:

5700 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL

Palette Miami Festival is a day of celebrating what makes  Miami, well…..Miami. Its neighborhoods, people, culture and flavor.  This  event is a Palette of everything in one, featuring local  restaurants,  artist, vendors, live music and performers. At Palette  Miami you will  sip, sample, taste, listen and experience the best  of what Miami  has to offer.

For More Information: 

palettemiami.com

Travel to the The DRB - Democratic Republic Of Beer in Downtown Miami, FL

Have you ever been to the tiny nation located on the outskirt of Downtown Miami called The Democratic Republic Of Beer? Well, I have and I am here to tell you, it's worth the trip. Once I set foot in The DRB I travelled from Vietnam to Kenya to Australia all in one day, and I didn't even have to use my passport. So, if you are a booze hound or would love the ability to choose from an obscene amount of beers (500 from over 60 nations to be exact), you definitely need to hit up The DRB. And if you start to get a little too tipsy and need some food to balance all the alcohol, their food menu is just as good, featuring an array of dishes representing some of the same nations.

Kenya/Tusker Lager (4.2%)

Philippines/San Miguel Lager (5%)

Australia/Cooper's Stout (6.3%)

India/Kingfisher Lager (4.8%)

Sri Lanka/Lion Stout (8%)

Vietnam/33 Export (4.8%)

It may be a small bar with limited seating, but that is made up for by the friendly staff, beer options and the happy feeling you get from drinking too many!

The DRB - Democratic Republic Of Beer
255 NE 14th St Miami, FL 33132

501 NE 1st Ave Miami, FL 33132

(305)372-4565

www.drbmiami.com

Cooking Up Dreams with Gourmet Tastings by Miami's Top Chefs

Purchase Tickets

Wednesday Dollar-Mania at 100 Montaditos

 

100 Montaditos, the chain imported from Spain, is slowing taking over South Florida with several locations in the area with many more to come. What makes 100 Montaditos so special are its 100 mini-sandwiches & Spanish beer offerings. But, in addition to that, the highlights of the week at 100 Montaditos is the Wednesday Dollar-Mania, where booze, montaditos and everything else on the menu except platters and salads are just a $1, and Thursdays where beers and sangria are $1.

 

For more info and to view the full menu, visit 100montaditos.com.

Off the Hookah Lounge - Downtown Miami (Bayside Marketplace), FL

 

If you live in South Florida at some point you've heard about Off the Hookah whether it be their location in West Palm, Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Off the Hookah Miami is mostly known as an afterhours lounge, but me being the glutton for food, decided it would be best to grab some dinner and see what the fuss is about at the same time. Really though, I was just craving some off the hook hookah!

We got there a little before 9pm so much of the staff was preparing for the nightclub hours. There were also a lot of people standing around with nothing to do too. We were seated right away, but since we did not have reservations we were seated at an awkward spot in the middle of the dining area so I recommended making reservations with specification of where u want to sit if you do decide to come here. I would even suggest that sitting on the patio outside by the water may be a lot nicer. Random, but the chairs were very uncomfortable.

The scene fit the feel of the restaurant/lounge. Music was playing, the lights were colorful, and a belly dancer dances so it is an overall a fun atmosphere. The others that had arrive early like we had, were having a good time; dancing, singing, talking, eating, drinking and smoking. I personally like places like this but if you are looking for a quiet dinner, this is definitely not the place to be.

As I said before, there was a lot of staff when we arrived, but even after being seated immediately, it took a awfully long time for someone to come to our table. There seem to be some confusing as to who should be serving what table. Other than that, the service was good. The waitress we had was very friendly and helpful. She seemed to like her job and that makes all the difference in the world.

The food overall was mediocre. The Maryland Crab Dip was alright. It tasted fine but was nothing special. With the crostinis (which I'm not a fan of) it was palatable but with the pita chips (which I love on their own), it came off as bit too salty.

I enjoyed the Rack of Lamb (herb crusted and charbroiled). Although it was cooked well done and I had asked for medium, it was not dried out and I enjoyed the flavor of the crust. The goat cheese mashed potatoes were whatever; I didn't like the cheese combo. The asparagus drizzled with a Andros sauce was good.

The Filet Mignon wasn't very good at all. It was tender but as flavor goes it was very bland. It clearly was not seasoned and the sauce it came with added nothing to save the lack of the flavor. Again the bleu cheese mashed potatoes just were not good and the asparagus drizzled with a Cyprus sauce was good. Now, the drinks (a Signature Margarita & Long Island) on the other hand were nice and strong.

The main reason to come to Off the Hookah is the hookah and whether it was off the hook or not is to be determined, but I was happy with it. Let me preface by saying that I don't smoke and this was probably like my third or fourth time smoking hookah but I did enjoy the chocolate-mint flavor and it lasted through our entire meal which she outed so we could eat and re lit once we were done eating so no complaints here and it was well worth the price.

Perhaps if I came late night I would have enjoyed it much better, but for dinner since it is all about the food it would not be a top choice. It is however, a good place for groups and a fun place to have a good time.



Off the Hookah
401 Biscayne Boulevard R103 (Bayside Marketplace) Miami, FL 33132
(305) 373-5724
VIP Reservations: MIA@OfftheHookah.com
www.offthehookah.com/miami-fl-location

Wine and Dine by the Bay - Le Tour de France: August 8th @ 7:30pm

What: Wine and Dine by the Bay – Le Tour de France

Where: Amuse at Casa Moderna Hotel & Spa located at 1100 Biscayne Blvd, 3rd Floor, Miami, FL 33130

When: Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 7:30pm

Why: Chef Kenneth Williams (formerly of Fisher Island Club) and Wine by the Bay owner, Stefano Campanini will offer guests a French-inspired getaway through a five-course course meal paired with fine wines representing various French regions. The first stop is Loire where Cremant de Loire Julien Fouet accompanies the “Deviled Eggs and Caviar” starter. Then, travel to Côte de Provence with Chateau de Berne Cuvée Speciale Rosé along with “Baked Mushrooms Stuffed with Escargot and Herb Butter.” After stops in Bourgogne and Bordeaux, the tour ends with the dessert classic “Napoleon.” It will be a “joie de vivre” evening that you can enjoy on your own or with a group of friends!

How: RSVP’s are required to 786.369.0300. The cost is $55.00 per person plus taxes and tips. Visit www.winebtb.com for more details.

Wingz & Beer at The DRB

Who: The DRB (Democratic Republic Of Beer)

What: Downtown Wingz Nite

Where: The DRB located at 255 NE 14th St Miami, FL 33132

When: Tomorrow, July 12, 2012 5:00 pm - Friday, July 13, 2012 5:00 pm

Why: Come to The DRB for all of your international chicken wing needs! A pound of chicken wings for FIVE BUCKS tossed in your choice of seven international sauces! New York Buffalo, Jamaican Jerk, Thai Sweet Chili, Mexican Chipotle Barbecue, Italian Parmesan Garlic, Japanese Teriyaki, or Indian Curry. What would a chicken wing party be without a BEER Special?! They also have Southern Tier IPA, Red Stripe, Chang Beer, Dos XX Lager, Moretti La Rossa, Kirin Ichiban, and Taj Mahal all for $3 EACH! Ain't no thang but a chicken wang. . . and BEER!

How: For more information, visit their Official Website.

Restaurant Review: Martini 28 Restaurant & Lounge - Brickell/Downtown Miami, FL

Martini 28 is a small, intimate restaurant located in a small courtyard of shops called "The Village" in downtown Miami. Despite that, the restaurant stands out. I personally love the decor; black, white and acrylic furniture. The restaurant is known as a lunch spot, but has more recently opened its doors for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. I stopped in for an early dinner at around 5pm on a Friday night. My boyfriend and I were the only outdoor diners, but there were a couple of people inside at the bar. Considering the place is so small, I'm glad we went when it wasn't packed; more room and better service. Service was quick and our courses were perfectly timed.

Hearing the name of the restaurant, I expecting to try one of their martini's but ironically liquor is not served here, just wine and beer, so I settled on a glass of their house red wine. For our appetizer, we had the Chicken with Yuca Huancaina. It was pretty good and I was satisfied with the choice. For entrees, we got the Lomo Saltado and Martini Mahi-Mahi & Fried Shrimp. For the Lomo Saltado to be considered their most popular dish, it was disappointing. The Martini Mahi-Mahi & Fried Shrimp on the other hand was amazing. I loved the tangy but sweet taste of the orange sauce and the tenderness of the fish. My only complaint was that when I heard shrimp, I thought shrimps and there was only one but it did taste good. As good as all the food was, the desert was even better. The Key Lime Cheesecake was to die for and I am not even a fan of key lime. The cheesecake was very light and melts in your mouth.

House Red Wine

Chicken with Yuca Huancaina

Lomo Saltado

Martini Mahi-Mahi & Fried Shrimp

Key Lime Cheesecake 

I thoroughly enjoyed Martini 28. The food was delicious, the service was great and the ambiance was my cup of tea. I will be back.


Martini 28 Restaurant & Lounge
146 Southeast 1st Avenue Miami, FL 33131
(305) 577-4414
www.facebook.com/M28restaurant