Pollo Tropical - Houston, TX

Restaurant:
Pollo Tropical

Location: 
6522 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057

Hours: 
M-Su 10:30a-12a

Ambiance: 
Imagine yourself walking into a beachfront restaurant at one of your favorite locations(or just imagine yourself in Miami, that'll do the trick). As you walk into this establishment, you make way to a refreshing, Caribbean inspired atmosphere that makes it seem as if you're really near a beach. Pollo Tropical brings the beach to the city, offering Caribbean & Latin foods, fast food restaurant style. The restaurant has been growing over the past year, and their expansions include the Houston market. With north & south Houston down, it was a matter of time until they opened a central location. I had the opportunity to eat at this restaurant before it was opened to the public, and oh what a treat. I truly hope that they won't lose their aesthetic like most do.


What I Ate:
I consulted one of the cashiers on what to order(we all know how I get overwhelmed with lots of choices). I knew I wanted plantains and Yuca(no, I'm not kidding, they have those), in addition, I went for the 1/2 Chicken with Yellow rice and a Mango juice with 2 shots(yes, they serve alcoholic drinks).

The food was fabulous, as I enjoyed my environment I kept wondering why no one had thought of it sooner. The idea of bringing the beach to the city, and serving Caribbean food in a "fast food" type of way. Any way, I enjoyed my experience, my food, and the ambiance of this place- And I truly hope they do well and last. Make sure you get out and try it, tonight is their Grand Opening(I might be there, again).

Coconut Cartel - Miami, Fl

Food/Beverage:
Coconut Cartel

Where:
Miami
Hamptons

We're headed towards winter and my heart is still in the summertime I can't help it, I was born in the summer. One thing that I knew I wanted from my second trip out to Miami, was experience. I wanted to see and do, and be one with the season.

I contacted a brand called Coconut Cartel, as I'd seen someone on instagram post about their coconuts. Coconut Cartel is a Miami based company that sells coconut water au-naturale. The company imports fresh Malayan Dwarf and Maypan coconuts from El Salvador.

Puerto Sagua - Miami, FL

Restaurant:

Puerto Sagua 

Location:
700 Collins Ave
Miami, FL 33139

Hours:
M-Sun 7:30a-2a

Ambiance:

Puerto Sagua is a Cuban restaurant located right in the heart of South Beach. This restaurant has a traditional simple feel and gets very crowded. There was a wait, but it wasn't too long. The service was fabulous, and you are surrounded by people from all over, all there for the same thing. Our table was a little close to the restroom area, so we saw all kinds of people come and go. As a warning though, there is a step as you enter the restroom(this is your warning), so do not trip. 

Tap Tap Restaurant - Miami Beach, FL

Restaurant: 
Tap Tap

Location: 
819 5th St.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Hours: 
M-Sun 11a-9p

 Ambiance:
Tap Tap is a Haitian Restaurant located on 5th Street in South Beach, within walking distance from Ocean Drive if you are staying there. The environment is very lively, all the walls of this establishment are painted with Haitian art. The ambiance is supposed to make you feel like you are out in Haiti. I've never been to Haiti, but I truly love this place because it reminds me of restaurants that I used to eat at when I lived in Africa. This restaurant is a definite MUST VISIT when in Miami. More on the restaurant and art, here.

 What I Ate:
I ordered the Poul Boukanen, with a side of rice and beans, and a Ju de Mangue( AKA Grilled Chicken and Mango Juice). Let me tell you, I definitely got my money's worth. Sometimes you eat somewhere and the food portions are totally unsatisfying compared to their price tag. They gave me a full half chicken- Crazy! I was so busy enjoying the chicken and dipping sauce that I forgot about my rice and beans. And, the rice and beans portions were quite large too, but tasty!
The only negative was that my slaw salad was served on a dusty lettuce leaf. Other than that, everything was amazing!