Did you know the monarch is believed to have worn more than 5,000 hats since she was crowned in 1952? Yea, we didn’t either…who would know that? Did you know that The Berkeley has London’s only rooftop pool & spa with panoramic views of Hyde Park? We did! On sunny days, the roof retracts with just the push of a button (by hotel personnel, don’t get too excited).

Prêt-à-Portea – The Royal Collection will be served in the iconic hotel’s Caramel Room from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during its special run. Tea starts at £39.00per person. After June 9th, you can enjoy a Prêt-à-Portea showcasing summer fashions.

The Royal Collection Menu:

• Profiterole with praline filling inspired by the unforgettable fascinator designed by Irish milliner Philip Treacy as worn by Princess Beatrice at The Royal Wedding.
• Vanilla pannacotta & strawberry jelly topped with red macaroon influenced by Angela Kelly’s patriotic Canadian maple leaf hat as worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in Canada.
• Blueberry cake with sugar roses & green leaves inspired by Rachel Trevor-Morgan’s hat as worn by Queen Elizabeth.
• Dark chocolate mousse with crunchy pearls topped with a thin wafer biscuit & fresh flower resembling Gina Foster’s memorable fascinator as worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Zara Philip’s wedding.
• Vanilla biscuit with intricate icing & sugar diamonds resembling Queen Elizabeth’s legendary diamond crown as worn for her coronation.
• Pink lady apple fruit cake covered in rose icing inspired by a light pink floral hat worn by Queen Elizabeth in Canada.
• White peach Victoria sponge Launer London handbag cake with peach coloured icing as worn by Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Wedding.

Have you ever felt so uncreative? For more information call House of Travel at 305.931.3002 – it’s not too late to book a stay in London for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

*These beers are in no particular order.

1. Tom Seefurth | Beer: Mamma Mia Pizza Beer

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Tom & Athena Seefurth created Mamma Mia Pizza Beer to be the “world’s first culinary alcoholic drink.” Mamma Mia Pizza Beer is created with a number of vegetables & completed with a deep scent of Italian spices (& hops, obviously). A pizza-flavored belch is soon to follow the consumption of this drink. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of this release of CO2.

2. Abashiri Beer | Beer: Bilk

Milk + Beer = Tasty? Hmm no! You’d think that brewers would think twice before creating such a beer, but Abashiri Beer decided to create Bilk to prove beer drinkers & us wrong (it is tasty). Everybody knows that milk does the body good, but sometimes you wouldn’t want a regular glass of milk. A beer will do the trick! Bilk is a mix of 30% milk & 70% “beer,” & is currently only sold in Japan. Shameless plug: to book your travel to Japan to taste Bilk, contact your HOT travel advisor today at 305.931.3002.

3. The Shelton Brothers | Beer: Santa’s Butt Porter

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Santas Butt Porter doesn’t sound appetizing does it? So, you’re saying “butt” doesn’t sound appetizing?? While this beer may not seem like one of the most desirable of beverages, The Shelton Brothers felt it was somewhat necessary to name a drink that references the large “character” to a large 108 gallon barrel called a “butt.” Clever, Shelton Brothers, clever.

4. Belgos Restaurants | Beer: Vieille Bon Secours

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The world’s priciest beers are made by Belgos Restaurant in London (let’s face it, everything is pricier in London). The restaurant serves a bottle of Vieille Bon Secours ale that’s been placed away for 10 years, comes with an alcoholic volume of 8 percent, & costs £700 (around $1,100 – the US Dollar is getting stronger…). It’s referred to as an intricate taste with “citric, caramel & toffee flavors with an undertone of liquor ice &  aniseed.” We are sure you’re familiar with undertones of liquor ice…

5. Porterhouse Brewing House | Beer: Oyster Stout

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What can be better than an Oyster Beer? Quite a few companies have come up with variations of an oyster beer, but perhaps these creations are simply trying to capitalize on the success of Clamato, a tomato clam cocktail. Some beers are promoting oyster stouts to be combined with oysters, but Oyster Beer may be your last choice for a perfect combo meal.

6. Southern Tier Brewing | Beer: Crème Brûlée Beer

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Southern Tier Brewing Company decided to create a dark & thick beer that is apparently the complete opposite of its name. When taking a deep sniff of this Crème Brûlée Beer, hint of caramel, vanilla, & a rich & creamy beer body emerge. It’s like sticking your nose in beer while in Bath & Body Works. For those who want a classic dessert in the form of a beer, this may be your next favorite beer.

7. Brooklyn Brewery | Beer: Bacon Beer

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Bacon mania has taken over many households, but how about the beer scene? Luckily, Brooklyn Brewery decided to create limited quantities of Bacon Beer. This beer is “brown ale infused with bacon fat.” How can you go wrong with this combination? This cannot fail! Cannot! And, it’s kosher…

8. Cobra Beer | Beer: Krait Champagne Beer

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Cobra Beer created a beer that is to be served in a champagne style bottle to feed the sophisticated pallets of sophisticated beer drinkers (oxymoron?). Beer is recognized as something which should not be combined with wine, however the makers of this beer thought otherwise. If you would like to feel classy yet still enjoy the beer taste you crave, then an order of Krait Champagne Beer might be exactly what you’ve been seeking. Try out the new bubbly.

9. Mexicali Beer | Beer: Chili Beer

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Mexicali Beer created a beer that is not for the average person. Each & every bottle of Chili Beer includes a whole real chili pepper so expect a strong potency of chili with every sip & to yell “Bam!” when it hits your tongue. Reviewers of this beer have stated that it may not be the greatest tasting beer on earth. But when has that stopped anyone from trying something?  It may start burning your stomach with a bit too many drinks, but if you are a chili fanatic then this beer is yours to enjoy.We recommend keeping some Tums on hand.

10. Shenandoah Brewery | Beer: Chocolate Donut Beer (aka Duff Beer)

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The Shenandoah Brewery wanted to blend two of the very best things in the world which Homer Simpson would approve: beer & donuts. Duff Beer obtained relatively good reviews while it was available & was positively compared to a pack of cheap donuts. Mmmm cheap donuts.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Send us pictures of the beers you’ve tasted around the world to get featured on our Facebook page & enjoy a glass (or two) of green beer this weekend.

Whether you’re dining inside the restaurant, at the bar or on the poolside patio, these are the items we recommend you try short of ordering the entire menu (which is one of the cutest little menus we’ve seen in a while). Give your taste buds a kick start with Thai blue crab spring rolls, which are just as flaky & crab-filled as you would want – very. Don’t be embarrassed when you go back for a second dip in the sauce – we did it too! What’s an Asian-fusion meal without ribs? Exactly. So order the Korean-style BBQ ribs – the meat is tender & slides right off the bone & the glaze will keep you licking your fingers well after you’ve returned home.

If you’ve ever had Thai street food, you’ll be quite impressed with the similarity to Lantao’s chicken/pork/shrimp-filled Pad Thai (you can request it extra spicy), except at Lantao you can actually share the portion of Pad Thai – not that you’ll want to. If you’re more of a boring eater but really trying to expand your culinary horizons, go for the grilled chicken over salad with lemongrass dressing. Good, but when given the chance to eat noodles & exotic foods, you know where our hearts lie. Speaking of culinary horizons being expanded, Lantao Kitchen serves an excellent grilled squid dish. It really gets you in the mood for a dip in the ocean.

We should have mentioned this earlier, but absolutely save room for dessert. The perfect complement to spicy & flavorful food is Lantao Kitchen’s version of an ice cream sandwich (pictured below, not by us). Two flaky, rectangular pastries flank either side of several scoops of ice cream laid out side-by-side. The entire dish is topped with candied ginger. Our description (& the second photo, by us) do it no justice. If you didn’t leave room, seeing the dessert will surely make you hungry again (& put you in the gym for at least two more hours).

Lantao Kitchen isn’t huge or even large, but it’s juuuuust right. It’s cozy & quaint without having tables on top of each other where you feel like you’re on a date with the couple next to you. It’s full of bright colors & dark woods. We had our eye on a long, wooden table (second picture below) perfect for an evening out with friends. The restaurant isn’t nearly as stuffy as it could be for South Beach & exudes a chiller, more beachy-feel. Chopsticks are provided, so you don’t really have to bring your own. But hurry up & get your tush to Lantao so you can enjoy the patio (kind of shown in the third picture below…if you look through the window) without drenching your clothes in sweat.

For the + Cocktails portion of Lantao, there’s another cute, little menu. But you can also head back to the lobby of the Surfcomber & sip Asian-inspired martinis at the Lantao Social Club. There are two distinct sitting areas (layouts changed regularly), a bar & a patio that actuallys let you people watch on Collins Avenue. Most hotels try to hide behind tall, trimmed hedges (ah hem, Delano), but the Surfcomber is putting it all out there for you to see…literally. Fun fact: the decor in Lantao Social Club was inspired by a lady laying at the pool with a patterned bathing suit.

Since we are a travel management company, we would love to book your trip to Asia today so you can try the street food firsthand, but we will settle for you trying out Lantao Kitchen + Cocktails. Hey, you can even make it a weekend & stay at the Surfcomber (again, more on that later).

photo: Heesa Phadie/Top Cultured

#5 Hotel Sacher Vienna – Vienna, Austria
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#4 The Hotel Chocolat – Saint Lucia, West Indies
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#3 The Hotel Hershey – Hershey Park, Pennsylvania
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#2 Etruscan Chocohotel – Perugia, Italy
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#1 Chocolate Boutique Hotel – Dorset, United Kingdom
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HONORABLE MENTIONS:

The Bellagio Hotel – Las Vegas, Nevada
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The Langham Hotel Boston – Boston, Massachusetts
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Need a glass of milk to wash down all this chocolate or just information at how to stay at one of our Top 5 Chocolate Destinations? Call us today at 305.931.3002. Wish your favorite chocolate destination was on our list? Let us know!

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M Schulz

#10 – Le Tub: Website | Facebook
1100 N Ocean Dr., Hollywood, FL 33019 | Phone: 954-921-9425

Did you know that Le Tub’s burgers have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show? You get a burger! And you get a burger… Having been voted GQ Magazine’s “Best Hamburger in the US,” no stop in South Florida is complete without visiting Le Tub. With their handwritten menus and Tiki-themed décor, Le Tub provides you with a huge burger experience. Although known for their sirloin burger, which is a lots-o-meat 13 oz. flavorful ground top sirloin made fresh-to-order, Le Tub is not known for being snappy. Getting your burger may take some time, but it’s worth le wait.

#9 – BGR The Burger Joint: Website | Facebook | Twitter
232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134 | Phone: 305-461-9989

GQ named BGR’s hamburger “one of the greatest burgers in the world,” – mwahaha. Although that may be very high praise, BGR is definitely working on keeping its crown. BGR The Burger Joint features prime, dry-aged meat that is from free-ranged, grain-fed, hormone-free cattle (you know, healthy meat). BGR’s burgers may not be oversized -just a measly seven ounces – but the flavor profile on each burger item is supersized – bam! BGR also features Yukon Gold fries that are double-fried (twice as nice) or sweet potato fries that are absolutely delicious with each meal.

#8 – Oneburger: Website | Facebook | Twitter
367 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | Phone: 305-529-5555

With roughly 30 varieties of burgers on their menu, Oneburger gives each burger-fanatic plenty of choices to satisfy any burger craving. Maybe you would like to try the Black Castle Burger? It’s not a level on Super Mario Brothers – the Black Castle Burger is a beef burger with American cheese, onion and tomato. KISS (keep it simple stupid). Not big on meat? (We don’t know why you are reading this…) How about a Portobello Burger? Portobello mushroom, walnut-crusted goat cheese, and tomato – yum! Oneburger also offers several salads and sides to complement all their meals for a well-rounded burger experience.

#7 – Burger and Beer Joint: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Preferred Location (South Beach): 1766 Bay Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33139 | Phone: 305-672-EATS (3287) (clever)
Downtown Miami Location: 900 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130 | Phone: 305-523-2244

Want to start the night at a bar but are also craving a quality burger? One stop shop, Burger and Beer Joint, is what you’re looking for. This rock-themed burger joint has burgers ranging from $10 all the way up to $75. Baller! BNB gives plenty of options to the casual burger lover while giving the burger and fries and face lift. If you’re feeling crazy, try the fries fried in duck fat. If your appetite is quite large, then try the Mother Burger, which is a 10-pound Angus beef burger (yes, this is the $75 burger). If you eat the entire burger in 2 hours, the burger is on the house. Man vs. Food anyone?

#6 – Charm City Burger Company: Website | Facebook | Twitter
1136 E Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 | Phone: 954-531-0300

New Times named Charm City Burger Company 2010’s “Best Burger in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.” This burger joint has a generous mix of burgers and sandwiches. But, since sandwiches are for the birds, check out the Emperor Burger. An 8-ounce American Kobe beef burger topped with sautéed mushrooms, aged Gruyère cheese and truffle aioli which will leave you smacking your lips. After eating this burger, the Emperor will definitely need new clothes. Charm City Burger might not be as well known as other burger havens in South Florida, but it’s quite obvious as to why it has such a cult following.

#5 – The Joint Bar and Grill: Website | Facebook
9559 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33156 | Phone: 305-603-9929

Despite changing hands over the years, The Joint Bar and Grill has continued to showcase five great burgers to their burger-loving customers. With a sporty atmosphere, it’s a great place to watch the big game, shoot some pool, and grab some drinks with your friends. Perhaps even exchange manly high-fives and compete for biggest belcher. Or just watch the big game…whatever. If you’re looking for a casual dining spot with friendly staff, then this place is guaranteed to suit your needs.

#4 – Heavy Burger: Website | Facebook | Twitter
19004 NE 29th Ave, Aventura, FL 33180 | Phone: 305-932-7555

Heavy Burger is a unique burger joint: it splits the property with Avenue 29. Heavy Burger’s operation takes place on a covered patio and Avenue 29 is inside. Don’t be confused. Breeze right through Avenue 29 and sit your tush down at Heavy Burger.  Offering mouth-watering, cooked-to-order burgers that come in many heavy-metal themed varieties, don’t miss out on the Motley Burger or, if you like spicy, the Eruption. Want to go all out and really show your diet who is boss? Order the Ball Breaker – a burger covered in fried onion strings and served between two grilled cheeses sandwiches. Heavy Burger – enough said.

#3 – Pincho Factory: Website | Facebook | Twitter
9860 SW 40th St., Miami, FL 33165 | Phone: 305-631-2038

Save the date for “National Hamburger Month” at Pincho Factory when new burger creations are aplenty. If that’s not enough, Pincho is constantly switching up the menu so burger lovers don’t get bored. The social media driven Pincho Factory is run by owner/chef Nedal who puts his own spin on the beloved burger. With many flavorful burgers options, you never know what will be on or off the menu, but each flavor-packed featured burger is only available for a couple weeks, or even days, before they go back into the burger vault for further craving. Pincho is so Miami, it once had an Arepa Burger – 5 ounce patty sandwiched between 2 deep fried arepas with a fried egg, white cheese, and a combination of cilantro, aioli and pink sauces, served with latex gloves and a roll of paper towels. Try any burger with a side of fries…turkey bacon, cheddar and ranch fries, that is.

#2 – Jr.’s Gourmet Burgers: Website | Facebook | Twitter
7 Westward Drive, Miami Springs, FL 33166 | Phone: 786-360-5347

If Bill Nye were to make burgers, he would ask to use “the lab” at Jr.’s Gourmet Burgers. Each hand-pressed burger (1/3 lb., 1/2 lb. or 1 lb.) is offered on a toasted whole-wheat or cornmeal-dusted white bun – sounds normal enough. But when viewing the menu, you’ll notice a wide variety of exotic menu items such as the “Hail Caesar,” “Tex-Mex,” and “Mexi-Can” burgers. Ohhhhh. Ahhhhh. So exotic! Feeling different? Try one of Jr.’s Weenies. No, dirty mind, it’s Jr.’s hot dog option. Order a weenie wrapped in bacon – need we say more? Junior is always in “the lab,” working on his next masterpiece, and we are always waiting to see what he cooks up.

#1 - Shake Shack: Website | Facebook
1660 Lenox Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 | Phone: 305-434-7787 ‎

Hailing from the faraway land of New York City, Shake Shack is in Miami and is here to stay. You can stalk NYC burger lovers by watching the City’s Shake Shake live webcam, but we suggest just going to the Miami location to see what the fuss is all about. Already establishing itself as the top burger joint in South Florida – one bite and you’ll know why. Juicy burgers (single or double) + magical sauce = #1 slot-worthy burger joint. One of Shake Shack’s best-selling burgers, the Shack Burger, consists of Black Angus beef, American cheese, Shack sauce, lettuce and tomato. “What is this Shack sauce you speak of?” you ask. Thousand Island dressing on drugs, then smeared on top of the softest potato bun you’ve ever had the pleasure of wrapping your mouth around. Definitely order the cherry on top – cheese fries and a handspun custard shake. Did you think we weren’t going to discuss the shakes? Basic vanilla will knock you off your feet. This Lincoln Road eatery is to die for and the shack itself is a great atmosphere.

Honorable Mentions:

Rok Brgr: Website | Facebook
208 SW 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | Phone: 954-525-7656

When the New Times names you the “Best New Restaurant in Broward,” and “Best Restaurant in Broward County,” and awards you the “Best Burger in Broward County” title, then your restaurant is definitely a hot topic. Rok Brgr has built its reputation off the “create your own burger” experience. With burger meats ranging from certified Angus Beef to American Kobe Beef, and even Ahi Tuna, you are bound to get a unique taste and dining experience. Rok Brgr allows you to choose your cheeses, grilled toppings, veggies, and sauces. If you really want to go outside your usual burger comfort zone, then try “bling”-ing out your burger with a fried egg, foie gras, or truffle oil.

Brick House Tavern and Tap: Website | Facebook | Twitter
1451 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 | Phone: 954-537-5344

Known for its beer bongs and Hooters-like waitresses (to be politically correct…servers…that are all female…most with tattoos), Brick House Tavern and Tap has perfected the juicy burger and ice cold beer combination. This indoor/outdoor hangout serves up a mean mushroom and swiss burger in a man-cave environment.

Save Room For:

Smashburger: Website | Facebook | Twitter
FALL 2011: 14730 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33181 | FALL 2011: 9019 S.W. 107th Ave., Kendall, FL 33176

Smashburger plans to open two Miami locations this Fall. With their unique “smashed patties,” Smashburger has touted themselves as a fresh ingredient and custom burger joint. With every order you get 100% Angus beef with a variety of toppings to choose from. All patties are between 1/3 lb. and 1/2 lb. and you can choose a multigrain, classic egg, or spicy chipotle bun. All of their burger options are served open face. Moist towelette not included.

Disagree with our Top 10 list? Let us know – we will be sleeping off our burger-coma at our desk.

While you might not see the guy in the mask…or hopefully Bentley… hanging around Rose Bar, you will definitely have the perfect perch from which to people-watch. Set back into the walls of the Delano lobby, amidst the breezy, white, linen drapes and high ceilings of this iconic hotel, Rose Bar invites guests in with its warm…you guessed it…rose hue.

You can take off your rose-colored glasses, but the walls of Rose Bar will still be upholstered in rose-colored fabric. Have a seat at the sleek, marble bar and order one of the pricier drinks in South Beach (but totally worth it). Look up. Above you hangs custom Venetian chandeliers and across from you is a mirror that we swear has a rose tint to it. Or maybe we enjoyed one too many glasses of Rosé – also very possible.

The DJ spins into the wee hours (not really, only 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), allowing you to drift seamlessly between the Rose Bar, the Delano’s lobby and the outdoor terrace without missing a beat. To have the most dramatic night out yet, hit up Rose Bar.

Rose Bar is located in the Delano at 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Closed on Mondays. Try lite fare at the Lobby Lounge and head to Florida Room to continue the party. See you there!

Our evening started off with some solid foreplay when we signed on to OpenTable to make our STK reservation. STK is a 1,000-point table! Right next to Coco De Ville, STK greets you with two large wooden doors. Once you open the doors, you’re smacked in the face with bat-cave like darkness (think Bruce Wayne’s bedroom) and floating lights, which illuminate-enough this two-floor, sensual space. STK seduces you immediately with it’s lounge-like dining area surrounded by a DJ, a catwalk, and intimate dining tables. It didn’t hurt that our server was Tyson Beckford’s identical twin (if he had one). Tyson’s brother – we’ll call him Bryson - announced that an STK team would be at our service throughout the evening and brought us the most delectably addicting bread. O – M – G! The harem-like service following Bryson, and the bread, was definitely a turn-on, but nothing compared to the indulgence that took place during our meal.

To get the night going, we started off with the Pink Elephant Cocktail – Grey Goose Pear, strawberries, mint, lime and champagne – definitely not your daddy’s cocktail. The PEC hit the g-spot. Since STK is a steakhouse, we started with the Blue Iceberg salad – you can’t have steak without bacon and bleu cheese first, it’s a rule. Order the salad chopped like we did, but make sure to leave room for the Filet Mignon (splurge for the peppercorn crust). Did you think this was just a quickie? You’re not going anywhere without also ordering the Risotto of Lobster with sweet corn and black truffle.  And no meal would be complete without one of STK’s infamous sides. Forget the calories (you’ll burn them off later, wink wink) and go for the Mac n’ Cheese. Dinner was an orgasmic experience that we thought could not be surpassed…until dessert.

STK topped off our meal with an after-sex cigarette, the Bag O’ Donuts. Just what it sounds like, but more. Sugar-dusted donut bites filled with molten, dulce de leche found their way into our mouths. Eat these little aphrodisiacs naked or dip them in chocolate or vanilla sauce to really push you over the edge. The guests next to our table probably thought we were reenacting When Harry Met Sally’s diner scene with all the “ohhhh’s” escaping from our table.

If you’re nervous about your “ohhhhh’s”, reserve one of STK’s private rooms that overlook the main dining room and the DJ lounge. You will feel like the ultimate sex symbol looking down on the crowd below while satisfying your every craving with STK’s naughty menu. House of Travel is already planning our next rendezvous with STK and trying to control our mid-Monday urges for filet and donuts. It may have been our first time at STK Miami, but you never forget your first time.

STK Miami is located in the Gansevoort South at 2377 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Feel like indulging on a Sunday? Perfect! STK has summer Wine Down Sundays – $25 bottomless select wines with entree purchase.

Tell your daddy to call House of Travel at 305.931.3002 to book your Gansevoort South stay today.

Just inside the newly renovated Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel (on the beach side), Dos Caminos welcomes you to its Mexican underground lair. Greeted by enthusiastic hotel valet guys (Dos Caminos validates parking! Validated parking is only $5.00), an on-the-ball hostess and Day of the Dead-like skeleton faces on the first wall you see in the restaurant, you know you’re in for an untraditional Mexican meal. With seating available in four areas, you have to walk through each electic one to get to the next. We love this because if you sit on the patio, you get to walk through the entire restaurant and check out the cool, dungeoness décor like taper candles on various gold candlesticks covered in mounds of candle wax and what everybody is eating. Other than the patio, we would recommend sitting at the bar where it’s always lively, especially when Dos Caminos has one of their great drink specials going – Prickly Pear Margarita please – or in the area just past the bar, which is a long, narrow dining space. Between the low lighting and the tight seating, you will want to grab your poncho and snuggle up with some quality tequila.

On to more serious things…the menu. We don’t want to hear it, you’re ordering the guacamole. Don’t worry, you get chips and three different types of salsa while you wait. The guac serves two and can be ordered mild, medium or super duper hot (we can’t remember what the hot one is called,but you’ll know it when you eat it). If you’re feeling really crazy, you can order Dos Caminos’ new Mango, Papaya-Habanero Guacamole or Jumbo Lump Crab-Chipotle Guacamole. Can’t decide? Try the Trio-Tasting of Guacamole. During our last dinner at Dos, we stuck to the basics and inhaled the made-to-order, medium guacamole (no, not super duper hot).

As for your main course, everything is good. We recommend the Shrimp Quesadilla, which is actually more like a flatbread who lives close to the Mexican border, hangs out with quesadillas and is now a quesadilla-by-association or an honorary quesadilla, if you will. If you want something with really fresh and clean ingredients, try the Pescado Tacos with Mahi-Mahi and spicy slaw. They are definitely a crowd pleaser.

As for House of Travel, we would wake up at dawn to order the Breakfast Quesadilla, which is only available on the limited breakfast menu until 11:00 a.m. Call us crazy (isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?), but before the Fort Lauderdale location opened, we booked our trips to NY around grabbing brunch at Dos Caminos SoHo. Unfortunately, the Dos Caminos Fort Lauderdale Beach does not have a full-blown brunch, but you’ll understand what we are rambling about once you go try the Breakfast Quesadilla for yourself. Mmm, it’s so good. You’re lucky this entire post isn’t just about the Breakfast Quesadilla.

With various specials from Happy Hour to a Prix Fixe menu for two, visit DosCaminos.com to take advantage and check out the full menu. Dos Caminos is located in the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel at 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Make your OpenTable reservation or call 954.727.7090 today. Don’t forget to make your reservation for before 11:00 a.m. (11:30 a.m. on weekends) so you can order the Breakfast Quesadilla. And no, we do not hold stock in the Breakfast Quesadilla. It’s THAT good.

From the start Kane had us. When we arrived at the pearly gates (let us know if our religious references are going too far) and told the hostess we had a reservation, she greeted us BY NAME despite the fact that the restaurant was still bumpin’ and it was 11:00 p.m.  Kane earned a place in our prayers for its customer service and maintained it with exceptional service throughout the evening (probably among the best service in Miami).

Religious experience begins here. We were quickly seated and immediately presented with an amuse bouche.  First, who doesn’t love saying amuse bouche? Second, it was delicious. This gazpacho-filled small bite was the perfect teaser to what was to come.  With our palates left wanting more, we moved on to the Kane Salad and the crab cake appetizer. Both dishes were so fresh, it felt like Kane had a farm and a fisherman out back. The sauce on crab cake could have used some more zing to it (no, zing is not a legitimate ingredient), but at this point we are just being nitpicky.

Obviously, we had to try a steak. The twenty ounce ribeye that graced us with its presence (for only $44.00) was escorted by onion rings, with Kane’s own batter, and duck fat hash browns, was like a Christmas feast. Both sides, traditionally followed by grease lingering on your lips, were not greasy – it’s a miracle! No, it’s Kane Steakhouse. Despite that we could not finish the hash browns, served as two round portions, we are believers. Now, on to the steak. We loooooove a good steak, crispy on the outside and pink in the middle. Hallelujah! Kane did more than just get it right – it was perfection.

Remember when we said the creators of SET and Louis have a hand in Kane? Expecting nothing less from the nightclub entrepreneurs with the help of a fantastic design team, Kane Steakhouse is a 50’s style, rat pack-y steakhouse, but with major upgrades. Modern touches like the textured, black eel-skin booths and the smooth, white onyx bar with flat screen televisions reminds us we are in Miami Beach. Want to know a secret? A private dining room sits behind a one-way mirror. Ten Hail Mary’s should get you there.

We almost forgot to mention Kane’s extensive wine list (sans wafer). With over 150 wines to offer its guests, we’ll pray for you that you get to experience Kane Steakhouse…and invite us.

P.S. SoFi is Miami Beach South of Fifth – get with it.