Ricochet is a trendy bar/lounge in Midtown where you can grab a drink or two and catch some pretty great live performances while you’re at it. The place is very modern, it has a nice atmosphere and the staff is pretty friendly. Live performances happen every Sunday and Wednesday, and comedy shows every last Monday of the month. Past performances at Ricochet include Nas, Theophilus London, TV on the Radio, Ed Kowalczyk, Nicolle Chirino, D Brown, Jorge Moreno and a live comedy show by Gilbert Gottfried.

The food menu is limited but so good you won’t need many options. You can choose from ceviche in shot glasses, spicy shrimp, grilled cheese sandwiches, empanadas filled with beef, chicken or pork, prosciutto brie or goat cheese and tomato mini paninis, guava and lime lollipop ribs, or sour orange popsicles. If you’ve never been, grab a few friends and head over there for a night out in Midtown. Doors open at 5pm every day.

For more information and to see who will be performing next, please visit their website or check them out on Facebook: Ricochet Bar/Lounge, and Twitter @RicochetMiami.

Ricochet Bar/Lounge
3250 NE 1st Ave
786-353-0846

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Hookah lounges in Miami are very popular, but which ones are the best? Here’s a list of our favorite five.

Oasis in Coconut Grove is one of the first hookah bars in Miami and it is located in the heart of Coconut Grove. They offer over 30 flavors including guava, peach, coke, grape, grenadine, jasmine, mango, apricot and more. They also have specialty hookahs such as: Coconut Grove- coconut and vanilla with rum in the vase, Mexican Hookah- strawberry and lemon with tequila in the vase, Wine Buzz- grape with wine in the vase and many more. Prices range from $22-$30. 2977 McFarlane Road. 305-446-6565.

Sawa is definitely one of our favorite spots for hookah, specially on Thursdays from 7-11pm because they’re hall off! Flavors include vanilla, cherry, rose, lemon, mojito, white peach, sex on the beach, safari melon, kamikaze, watermelon martini and more. The restaurant is located in the beautiful Merrick Park and has great outdoor seating. Prices range from $20-$33. 360 San Lorenzo Avenue, Coral Gables. 305-447-6555. Check their website for more information and complete menu.

D’vine on Lincoln Road is a popular one for their location and variety. They have over 6o different flavors including banana, blueberry, cappuccino, french vanilla, cantaloupe, honey, plum, sour apple, passion fruit, white grape, and some unusual flavors such as bubble gum, cola, cream soda, Jell-O and spearmint gum. Hookahs could get a little pricey here but hey, you’ll have a great time people watching. 445 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. For more information, click here.

Hidden in Doral, Layali is a favorite for Mediterranean food, belly dancers, and of course, hookahs. They also have great happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 5-8pm; $1 wine for ladies, $2 domestic beers, $3 imported beers, $4.50 all premium drinks, $5 appetizers, and $8 hookah specials. Every flavor imaginable is available there. For more information, visit their website. 11402 NW 41 Street, Doral. 305-403-0188.

Mostly known for cigars, Deco Drive is also a good spot to smoke hookah. It’s a small and casual place on Lincoln Rd with outdoor seating, inexpensive drinks and again, a good spot for people watching.  414 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach. 305-531-8388.

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A new Sushi restaurant has opened in Doral and we absolutely love it! it’s colorful, it’s inexpensive and it’s delicious. As soon as you walk in, you will feel as if you’re somewhere in Japan. The decoration consists of Japanese characters on the walls, bright and colorful plates, TVs so you can see how and when your dish is being made, and a small market if you want to shop. The menu includes all the regular Japanese dishes and unbelievable homemade desserts; our favorite is the cheesecake.

At Oh! Sushi eating good on a budget is not a problem. Pork, chicken, prawn, vegetables, and seafood dumplings are only 99 cents each. Uramaki rolls are also 99 cents each, with a minimum order of 4 pieces, and Maki rolls are $1.29 each, also with a minimum order of 4 pieces. One of the favorite rolls is the “Soft” roll: salmon, avocado, cream cheese, salmon on top, wakame and salmon roe. You can also make any roll a tempura roll for just 99 cents.

If you want to know more, check them out on Facebook: Oh! Sushi and Twitter @ohsushiusa, or pass by to enjoy a delicious and affordable meal. They are open Monday through Sunday from 12pm- 11pm.

Oh! Sushi
9036 NW 25th Street
Doral
305- 629-8442

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We all wait anxiously for the weekend to relax, go out, and have brunch! Nothing better than sleeping in and being able to have breakfast late in the afternoon with a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa. From poached eggs, to Japanese delicacies and delicious tacos, we have a list of our 5 favorite places in Miami for brunch.

Front Porch Café- One of our favorite places for brunch in Miami because they serve it all the time! They offer everything to make a perfect brunch; omelettes, eggs benedict, granola pancakes, fresh fruit with yogurt and granola, sausage, and even a breakfast pizza. Our recommendation is the Chicken Satay Omelette- Asian inspired omelette with fresh basil, grilled chicken, mozarella cheese and satay sauce made with ground peanuts, red curry paste, coconut milk, cilantro and lime. It’s a crowd favorite. *They have DELICIOUS Bloody Marys. To view the entire menu, click here. 1458 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. 305-531-8300.

Zuma- If you’re looking for lunch more than breakfast, this Japanese restaurant will make sure you’re full until dinner time. $75 per person will let you enjoy and eat from their three Asian-inspired buffets that include sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, soups, salads, skirt steak, barley miso corn-fed baby chicken, salt grilled seabass with spicy burnt tomato, assorted vegetables tempura, and a selection of desserts served with exotic fruits, ice creams and sorbets. They also have poached eggs for those who want a bit of breakfast. 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way. 305-577-0277.

Biltmore Hotel- Not only a great place for brunch, the Biltmore Hotel is one of the most beautiful places in Miami. Also $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity and $37.50 for children 5-11, their brunch includes extravagant delicacies, such as caviar, smoked salmon, shellfish, carved meats, fresh omelettes, pastas, sushi, delicious desserts and endless champagne. Reservations are recommended. To make yours, please call 305-445-8066. 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables.

Oliver’s- Also a favorite among SoBe residents, their brunch includes amazing eggs benedict, steak & eggs, smoked salmon and bagel platter, buttermilk pancakes, belgian waffles, extra thick french toast, fresh fruit platter, and you can create your own 3 egg omelette. Not only do they serve your typical Mimosa, they also have Bellini Cocktails- champagne and peach nectar, and Kir Royale- champagne and creme de cassis. 959 West Ave. 305-535-3050. To view the menu, please click here.

Mercadito Midtown- Tacos are not typically what comes to mind when you think of brunch, but Mercadito also offers huevos rancheros, ceviches and some of the best cocktails in town. Our recommendation for the cocktails is the Maria Sangrita- tequila blanco, tomato, cucumber, orange, chile verde and pomegranate. If you go with the whole family you can choose the Family Style Brunch; three items for the table and one drink per person for $18, or all you can drink for $30. To view the entire menu, click here. 3252 Northeast 1st Avenue. 786-369-0430.

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If anyone in Miami knows about seafood, that would be Garcia’s! Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market has been around for over 20 years offering their clients fresh and delicious food since they first opened. It is the perfect place to grab lunch after a day at the beach or enjoy a nice dinner in their outdoor seating area overlooking the Miami river.

The menu includes conch fritters, oyster cocktails, lobster bisque, grouper sandwich, swordfish, whole yellowtail grilled, chicken breast, dolphin fillet, shrimp caesar salad, a mouthwatering salmon in tamarind mustard sauce that we definitely recommend, and many more dishes. They all include a side of fries, cole slaw, grilled veggies, or a side salad.

If you are in Miami and want fresh seafood, this is the place to go!

*The restaurant offers free valet parking (tips are encouraged). You can also dock your boat at the back of the restaurant. Open Monday-Sunday from 11 am- 9:30 pm.

Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market
398 NW North River Drive
305-375-0765

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Surrounded by office buildings in Coral Gables, you can find the newest place for Spanish cuisine lovers who love affordable prices as well. With over 200 locations around the world, Lizarran opened its doors in Miami to offer customers a real taste of Spain.

The atmosphere is very hip and modern, and you can come with all your friends and waiting for a table won’t be a problem because the restaurant seats 200 inside and 35 outside. Their pinchos are topped with meats, cheeses, fish and egg and they are only $2 each! They also serve patatas bravas, croquetas, Russian salad, pulpo a la gallega, paellas, Spanish tortillas, salads, soups, and all your favorite Spanish dishes.

On top of their low prices, they offer a variety of daily specials. Happy Hour is everyday from 4 to 7 p.m, Tuesdays are Pincho Nights- All you can eat pinchos from 7-10 p.m for only $10, Saturdays sangria pitchers are 2 for 1, and on Sundays you can order a paella and enjoy a FREE pitcher of sangria. They also offer entertainment every Saturday at 10 p.m with Montserrat Franco.

Pass by Lizarran and enjoy real Spanish cuisine. Olé!

Lizarran
65 Alhambra Plaza
Coral Gables
786-558-8529

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Painting With a Twist is Miami’s newest painting studio that takes you step by step to create your own masterpiece, no experience required. All you have to do is go to their website, choose the painting on their calendar you’d like to recreate and reserve your spot. Classes are only $35 for a two hour painting and $45 for a three hour painting.

Everyone is welcome to bring a bottle of wine or your favorite beverage, and some snacks if you’d like. Don’t even worry about the canvas, paint and brushes because they will provide everything you need and it’s included in the price. Don’t worry about experience either because everyone, with the help of the instructor, will go home with a beautiful painting. You can arrive to your class up to an hour early and hang out in their lounge area. This is a great way to relax, have fun and do something different.

They also offer private parties so you can have the entire place reserved for you and your friends. You can celebrate your birthday, a girls night out, sorority functions, and more! Prices are the same per person for private events, just make sure you reserve the space ahead of time.

So bring your friends or make new ones there and get ready to bring out your artistic side, even if you never knew you had one.

Painting like a professional was never this easy!

Painting With a Twist
7657 Biscayne Blvd
786-300-6855

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Trail Theater is an icon in Miami. Since it first opened it has welcomed big names from theater, movies and music, especially from the Hispanic community.

Trail Theater had closed for economic reasons and there were rumors of demolition, until Colombian actress, Marisol Correa and her partner Jorge Agudelo, decided to recue it and light up the marquee again. And they started big: a star studded, sold out, “Vagina Monologues” played for the first time in Spanish in the USA.

It still has that old times charm mixed up a new vibe and the feeling of Miami’s melting pot. The main stage has 430 seats and there’s an 80 people lounge, next-door called Catarsis where you can have a drink and enjoy music or small plays.

The Trail has something for everyone: from classics to stand up comedies, from monologues to musicals even for children. Visit Trail Theater and have a good time. For more information on Trail Theater, please visit their website

Trail Theater
3713 SW 8th Street
Ph: 1-888-582-2876 . 305- 443 1009

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The hot temperatures are here and if you don’t have access to a pool and the beach is too crowded, try the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. This beautiful pool formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923 is included in the National Register of Historic Places and everyone in Miami should go at least once.

The pool is fed with cool spring water and it features two waterfalls, coral caves, and there is also a cafe so if you get hungry you don’t have to leave to get food. The Venetian Pool is the perfect place to come with your family and have some fun under the sun.

Entrance is only $10 and $5 for Coral Gables residents. They sell towels for $7 just in case you forget to bring one and parking is free. For more information, please visit their website

Venetian Pool
2701 De Soto Blvd
Coral Gables
305-460-5306

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Straight from Spain comes Cerveceria 100 Montaditos; the new place in Midtown and we’re kind of obsessed with it, but we’re definitely not the only ones. The menu is very simple: 100 different types of mini sandwiches, salads, Spanish brava potatoes, and drinks, but the best part of everything is the very low prices. Everything is under $5 and if you come on Wednesdays everything on the menu is only $1! Yes, $1, we didn’t make a mistake.

Tortilla española, serrano ham, Russian salad with crab meat, shrimp with cocktail sauce and lettuce, roast beef, pulled pork, chocolate spread with almonds, and grilled chicken are just a few of the 100 sandwiches you can choose from.

It has quickly become the place to be for people who want to hang out, enjoy good food and have some drinks. And why not? If you can have a quality meal for less than $10, beer included. All day Friday you buy a bucket of beers and you get two! If you’ve never been, we recommend it but we also have to warn you about the long lines on Wednesday nights. They get long but they also move quickly so don’t get scared, you’ll be glad you waited.

Cerveceria 100 Montaditos
The Shops at Midtown
3252 NE 1 Ave

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