Show notes
August Birthday Month Celebration, Part 2: Miami, Family & More Florida Adventures
Episode Summary
Julie and Jamie continue their August birthday month celebration with a trip to Miami, a visit to Aventura Mall, more restaurant stops, and a meaningful look at Julie's family history.
From South Beach and Fogo de Chão to an unexpected overnight stay in Boca Raton, they share the highs and lows of their adventures. They also talk about taking down the Wall of Fame at Julie's mother's house, a collection of photos celebrating the famous people her father cooked for throughout his career.
And of course, they wrap up with more restaurant recommendations, including one of Julie and Jamie's favorite discoveries of the month.
🌴 Miami & South Beach
Julie and Jamie spend a night in South Beach, staying at Hotel Balfour. While the hotel was not Jamie's favorite, they enjoyed being in Miami and reflecting on how much South Beach has changed over the years.
They also realize they missed some of the iconic South Beach experience, including walking Ocean Drive and seeing famous landmarks, so a return trip may be in order.
🍽 Restaurant Highlights
Fogo de Chão
A definite favorite from the Miami trip. Julie and Jamie loved the Brazilian steakhouse, especially the meats, buffet, fried bananas, gluten free popovers, mushroom soup, olives, cheese, and cheesecake. A great choice for a birthday or special celebration.
Red Pine
An unexpected Boca Raton stop after deciding to stay overnight rather than drive home. Jamie gives the egg rolls high marks, while Julie enjoyed her meal. The edamame was not a favorite, but overall it was an interesting restaurant experience.
Cheesecake Factory
The next morning brought breakfast, including chicken and waffles, an omelet, potatoes, bacon, and a birthday cheesecake. It was a solid breakfast and another stop during their extended birthday celebration.
Alfresco
One of the biggest restaurant highlights of the episode. Located near Lake Worth Beach on a public par-three golf course, Alfresco offers beautiful views of the ocean and golf course. Julie and Jamie both agree that the food was fantastic, with the chicken parm, spaghetti, linguini, pizza, and appetizers standing out.
🛍 Aventura Mall
Julie and Jamie visit Aventura Mall, which Julie calls the best mall she has visited in Florida so far. They explore specialty stores, Nordstrom, and the food court, where Jamie gets Shake Shack and Julie tries arepas.
Julie also shares the experience of trying on a Louis Vuitton bag for the first time.
❤️ A Family Memory
While renovating Julie's mother's house, they had to take down the Wall of Fame that displayed photos of Julie's father with celebrities he cooked for, including Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Pavarotti, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Donna Summer, Tony Orlando, and many others.
After nearly ten years since Julie's father passed away, taking the photos down was emotional. The wall needs to be preserved because of a ceiling leak, but the family plans to create something new with the collection.
🎵 Coming Up
Julie and Jamie look forward to seeing 311 and Dirty Heads, with Rome also on the concert lineup. Julie promises to share how the concert goes on the next episode.
📣 We Want to Hear From You
What are your favorite restaurants and things to do in South Florida? Tell Julie and Jamie where they should go next!
Visit floridalivinglife.com to send them a message and share your recommendations.
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