Oso planning to go pro
Piccolo Forno is a good spot a couple of blocks NW from there through Washington Square.
It is and there are a number of great Italian restaurants there. However, North Beach is historic and a landmark. That said it was getting a little worn and dusty and I can see why the end of the era is approaching. Hopefully, someone buys it and restores its tradition. Classic
I can’t speak first hand but what I’ve heard is the opposite of that a bit. The place was refurbished and looked good. But food quality, increased menu prices, staff quality decline since Lorenzo passed away. Mismanagement type of thing more than an aging location. And if those things are true, then the old classic being your grandparents feel would be lost with that. As food quality, strong family customer service etc…was their calling as it wasn’t a trendy spot, but it was a bit of a past power broker spot. (Neither of which are often my thing, but I respect and understand the appeal.)
I mean the 2nd generation is 50 but Leo has other interests like the winery and real estate. Was the restaurant "maintained"? Yes but it wasn't really modernized and trendy which a lot of North Beach places are doing. Tourism kept the coffers full but that iconic appeal was why it didn't modernize. When that tourism base dried up, the rest of your recap about the decline is true about a past its prime clientele, service, etc.It was time. But it's still sad. That said, it will be gobbled up which is the purpose for the long close.
TAMUI do know, Newsie is right on you knowing ball.
Thanks to everyone who gave Philadelphia suggestions. That city was a ton of fun, I was not expecting to enjoy it that much. My conference ended up being a block from Reading Terminal Market so I ate there every day for lunch. I also found Middle Child Clubhouse and that was possibly the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had.
I lived at Lasalle and Division for 6 years. I absolutely adored the area/location…except for Marathon weekend. It’s been more than 5 years and I still have the sound of cowbells on an early Sunday morning ringing in my ears Only North American city I’ve found to be anything like Chicago was Toronto.
Any Miami recommendations? We’ll have maybe 1.5 days available and are staying in Brickell.
When? Where are you staying? Have you been there before?It sounds simple enough but make sure you get on the water via boat or beach. 1) Art Deco District runs between 5th st and 23rd st, going South to North, and along Collins Ave, (A1A) Ocean Drive (East), and Washington Ave (West). Stroll this district for architecture. Espanola Way is between 14th and 15th streets. (Havana 1957 and A La Folie Cafe) Alma Mexicana at 14th and Washington. La Ventana Columbian Cafe is at 7th and Washington. La Sandwicherie 14th street between Washington Ave and Collins Ave. (They also have locations in Brickell near the Brickell City Centre, and Coral Gables) South Ponte Park Pier and Lummis Park South Beach are good spots. Walk through Lincoln Road too.2) Brickell. Brickell Key Park is a nice little park with skyline and bay views and shade. Brickell City Centre is a 3 story trendy shopping and dining spot. Mary Brickell Village is a smaller open air alternative. (North Italia and Mister 01) A few rooftop spots are more views than food and drink imo. Rosa Sky or Sugar. The Taco Stand on 25th is good. The Underline is Miami’s version of the Highline. It’s a work in progress. You can check it out in Brickell and have a drink or something along the Miami River. 3) Little Havana (Calle Ocho) El Pub for Empanadas. (4 miles West) Lots of dining establishments. 4) If you are near Coral Gables or Coconut Grove, or The U (4-6 miles SW) Casola’s at 17th ave and 24th street. (It’s an old school dive) If you want higher end Italian try Fratellino. Crandon Park in Key Biscayne is good too but you won’t have time.Metromover and the Trolley are free and available in Brickell to get around. That’s a start.
Casola’s. Outstanding for late-night post-drinking pizza binge. Don’t believe I ever went there in 8 years other than that.
Wait, do you mean by PBI-ATL trip that has grown by 40 minutes over the years isn't due to continental drift? It is interesting that on smooth travel days, flights can get in 30 minutes early. Lots of padding.
Pretty sure its all due ta global warming, aina?
It’s been a while since I’ve flown out of here, but Logan has become America’s worst airport.