Stephen Rosenthal is a social worker by trade, but his true passion is food, drink, and stories. So, about a year ago, he started Food Tours of Miami, which conducts walking tours for foodies.
The food tour business seems to be thriving in Miami, but Stephen doesn't see competition as a bad thing -- especially since he's convinced his are the best. "Mine is a unique food tour. I'm a local -- born in Baptist Hospital and raised in Miami. I love this city, it's my home and I share that perspective with both visitors who want to get an insiders point of view ... but also locals who maybe haven't been to South Beach in a while because they think it's too touristy".
Food Tours of Miami conducts both food tours and pub crawls. The food tours go out Saturday and Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and last about three hours. Each day's tour visits different restaurants, each serving an appetizer and drink (many of the restaurants offer alcoholic beverages). "We go to four or five restaurants during the tour. From little mom and pop restaurants to larger places. The goal is to allow people to discover interesting places that, hopefully, are new to them," Rosenthal told us.
Though Rosenthal didn't want to name all the restaurants that participate in his tours ("I like to keep them a surprise"), Otentic and Tap Tap are two on the rotating list -- choices that would resonate with locals and tourists alike.
Rosenthal takes the opportunity to discuss points of interest and
run through some historical facts about Miami Beach as the tour walks
from restaurant to restaurant, using that down time creatively.
The
food tours cost $50 for adults, $35 for veterans/military/police, $35
for kids 5-12. Children under five are free. The tour cost includes the
food and drink offered (you can purchase additional drinks if you wish),
and is conducted rain or shine.
Rosenthal also offers pub crawls
in downtown Coral Gables, inspired by a pub crawl he experienced in
Ireland, conducted Saturday, Sunday, and Monday evenings from 6:30 -
9:30 p.m. Each crawl visits four to six pubs, and guests receive a beer
at each stop. Upscale pub crawls, on Saturday and Sunday offer food, as
well. The casual pub crawl is $50 per person, the upscale pub crawl
(with food) is $60 per person. Obviously, children under 21 are not
allowed on the pub crawl. Tickets can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets, and a percentage of ticket sales are donated to a charity of your choosing, upon online checkout.
Rosenthal
is hoping these tours will allow people to experience new food, while
having a great time. "When I start my tour, I go over a few rules. You
know what rule one is? Have fun! Food brings people together. I want
people to say they had wonderful food and a great time".
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