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When dining out, it can be tough to make everyone in a group happy.; Wendy is hankering for some barbeque, while Tom is in the mood for Pad Thai. The one menu item that most people can agree on, however, is dessert.
A sweet finish to any meal will make you happy in the moment. So enjoy our ten favorite desserts in Miami and remember - pictures have no calories!
10. Guava and Cream Cheese Pizza at The Joint Bar & Grill
This little father and son-run bistro in Pinecrest may best be known for its burgers and craft beer selection, but there's one item on the menu that pops up in recurring dreams. A freshly made pizza crust is topped with mozzarella and cream cheese, with guava paste serving as the "sauce". It's sweet, salty, cheesy, and addictive ($7.99).
9. Nutella Crepe at Otentic Fresh Food Restaurant
There's a reason why crepes are a French
staple. A super-thin pancake can serve as the basis for something
savory or sweet. In this case, the perfectly made crepe is slathered
with Nutella, folded over, and served with a scoop of ice cream. At
$5.50, it's also a rare South Beach bargain.
8. Mille Feuille at Sardinia Enoteca
Though
the name means "a thousand layers", that's a slight exageration. Still,
this gorgeous treat seems as much. In actuality, three layers of puff
pastry are filled with marscapone, chantilly and
chocolate cream, then garnished with strawberries. French dessert at an
Italian enoteca? It's a European vacation in Miami Beach ($9).
7. Key Lime Pie at Joe's Stone Crab
There
is probably some law on the books that every dessert list in south
Florida must include at least one Key Lime pie. There's none better
than the pie at Joe's. Not too sweet, not too tart, creamy, and light as
a feather. Just what's needed after stuffing your face with crabs.
Have the slice for $6.95, buy an entire pie for $68.95.
6. Crème Frâiche Lemon Polenta Cake
at Bistro One LR at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
The polenta cake takes a creamy turn for the better when scented with a
hint of lemon. To balance the tartness, executive pastry chef Jason
Morale adds citrus caramel apples and amaretto caramel sauce to this
gorgeous creation ($12).
5. Pie at The Dutch
If it seems pies are a trend, we're going along for the ride! Pastry
chef Josh Gripper makes his daily, changing up the flavors. It doesn't
matter which fruit flavor the pie wheel stops on when you dine at The
Dutch because they're all delicious. Instead of super-sweet glop,
you'll be able to identify real fruits! Blueberry! Apple! Sour
cherry! Go ahead and go ala mode! You only live once ($12).
4. Macarons at Villa Azur
These colorful treats look
like Christmas decorations with their bright green, red, and gold colors
($12). But bite into these little confections and taste the rich
pineapple, strawberry, and pistachio flavors. Just the right amount of
sweetness without the guilt of a heavy dessert. How French is that?
3. Cake from Icebox Cafe
Oprah proclaimed this the best cake in America. We think that should
speak for itself, but allow us to elucidate. Forget the menu, walk up to
the case, and pick a cake -- any cake. They're all amazing! From the
Devil Dog cake, made with devil's food cake and creamy vanilla filling,
to strawberry shortcake to a slice of ice cream cake. For around six
bucks, you're in cake heaven.
2. S'Mores Pie in a Jar from Michael's Genuine Food & Drink
How many of us have childhood memories of making s'mores by the
campfire? Sure, it was fun, but the marshmallows always got too burnt
and the chocolate would fall into the fire. Let's face it -- it was a
lot of work for little gain. Now that you're grown up, let a
professional show you how it's really done. Hedy Goldsmith will make
you a s'more (complete with toasted marshmallows) in one compact little
jar ($11). Then, to make your heart really race, she'll add a side of
candied bacon. Bet your troop leader never did that for you!
1. Dessert Dim Sum Cart at Tudor House
Why choose one dessert when you can have the whole damn cart! This is
dessert excess my friends and it feels really good! Available on
weekends, the dessert dim sum cart at Tudor House is filled will all
kinds of treats for your decadent self to enjoy. House-made Oreo
cookies, cake pops, caramel corn, bacon doughnut holes and cupcakes in
flavors like mojito and PB&J are some of the treats available on
this ever-rotating roster of happiness. Served ala carte, each morsel
is between $3 and $5, so keep going and try one of each!
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