One might liken them to the delights found in hot doughnuts and apple cider farther up the East Coast on a brisk fall day. Hot, sweet, freshly fried dough boasts a delicate crunch, followed by
1. La Palma Calle Ocho. At this decades-old cafeteria on the cusp of its 40th birthday, you can find the kid-friendly sandwiches called discos filled with cream cheese, strawberry jelly, ham, cheese, or anything else that can be tucked into a crustless, round sandwich. Countless Miamians have fond childhood memories of filing into this place's bare-bones interior on a cold day for a warming plate of churros and a cup of hot chocolate. 6091 SW Eighth St., Miami; 305-261-1113.
2. Churromania. This Miami-based churro chain got its start on the outskirts of Caracas and now has more than 100 locations in six countries, including one in Hialeah. For an extra buck, get your eight arm-long sticks ($5.30)
3. Ariete. Michael Beltran's Coconut Grove spot is perhaps the neighborhood's most ambitious restaurant. Beltran brings fine-dining chops honed under Michael Schwartz and Norman Van Aken, along with a twinge of Cuban sensibility. His churros and hot chocolate ($8) are a case in point. The recipe comes from Beltran's grandfather, and he's chosen to go with a round presentation, perhaps to ensure more of that sugar ends up all over hands. Luckily, Beltran's churros are available during lunch, which happily began less than a month ago. 3540 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; 305-640-5862; arietemiami.com.
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