Martin "Miami Martin" O.'s Profile

A very nice health club! A family member gave me a guest pass so I dropped in on a Saturday afternoon with my nephew to check out their basketball courts. The courts were very nice with very forgiving rims and an exceptionally clean floor. We hooped it up with some of the stars from Marin Catholic's 2009 Championship football team.

A nice locker room and showers.

Finally, I can't believe that the Bay Club is occupying the former space of J.C. Penney. What a great new tenant for the Town Center of Corte Madera!

For some trips, I prefer to drive from Miami to the Fort Lauderdale Airport because the fares are significantly better and the airport is much less crowded. I usually factor in both the arrival and departure time and the potential traffic on the I-95. Also, now that the new Virgin America Airlines has started service at FLL with its sleek new aircraft and revolutionary entertainment and food service for all passengers including power adapters in every seat and wi-fi Internet service -- flying out of FLL may become more desirable than MIA.

At FLL, I usually park in the Hibiscus Garage when flying Virgin America. When flying Jet Blue, the Cypress Garage is usually the best option since it's closer to the gate (although not always). When picking someone up at the airport, make sure you park in short-term rather than long-term parking. The spots are much closer to the gate.

I decided to try out the FLL to SFO Virgin America flight. After boarding the plane, the first thing I noticed that this modern aircraft was leaps ahead of the competition. The isles and leg room even in coach felt wider. The overhead baggage compartments were the right size for my carry-on suitcase. The tray tables were sleek and efficient. Their Red Interactive system for 1) Watching (on demand movies, foreign films, Dish satellite TV, on demand TV and best of the Web TV 2) Listening to Music 3) Playing Games 4) Talking 5) Reading (not yet available) 6) Shopping 6) Kids Play and ordering your food and beverages was unbelievable (you even order the free drink on the screen), even in Coach. That all said, some things that really stood out: A) Power Adapter - there is a 120/220 volt Power Adapter or USB port charger in every seat (RJ45 too) B) GoGo Internet Service -- available for a small fee (sign-up for Gogo or find a coupon before you leave for the airport) C) Gordon Biersch Martzen - you can order one of my favorite beers on the flight.

A First Class Experience, even when flying Coach.

Don't forget to sign-up for your Virgin America Elevate Flight Rewards Club before you book your flight!

At the Fort Lauderdale Airport in Terminal A, there is a Dunkin' Donuts. I tried their Cafe Latte and was disappointed, it was way too watery. I also ordered a chocolate donut and she gave me the wrong one. I was flying Virgin America today so after seeing Virgin's food menu, I really wished I would have not ordered the donut.

Th CVS minute clinic is located in the back of the CVS Drugstore on Lincoln Road between Washington and Collins. The Nurse was very nice but there was limited number of services offered. I tried to call to inquire, before going there but I couldn't get through.

It's not the nicest part of Lincoln Road, and parking is problematic.

Dropped in at Paul for lunch. I had their Soup and half Sandwich Combo. The Broccoli and Cheddar soup and a Roast Beef and Swiss (upgrade) that included a fountain drink. Unfortunately, the bread was hard so I should have asked for it toasted.

You order at the counter and they give you a number. On a weekday, the food arrived in minutes.

We went to Joe's Take Away on one of those non-cooking nights. We started with a Chopped Salad followed by 2 orders of Select Stone Crabs, a Salmon Ginger and an order of Fried Chicken ($5.95?). For sides, a small order of Hashed Browns. For dessert, a slice of Key Lime Pie (one of the best in So Florida) and Apple Pie.

A very nice meal and a significant savings from eating at the restaurant.

This company makes one of my favorite candies: Red Vines, Original Red Twists. Today, I purchased a couple packages on a 3 for $1 Special and was disappointed to find them hard and stale with a May 2010 expiration month. A disappointing experience.

If you are not a lover of high quality imported and domestic cheese at premium prices, you might consider the Cheese Course for take out or catered lunch for your office.

I ordered two orders of their Quiche lunch meals for take out. Each came individually wrapped in a plastic container and included a small round hot piece of Quiche (Ham and Swiss Cheese or Broccoli, Mushroom and Guyere cheese) with some fresh fruit (grapes, strawberries and oranges), a dipping sauce (honey mustard/wine or something like that) and a piece of french bread. It was the perfect amount, almost too much food (see my pix!)

They have two types of fresh baked French Bread, white and wheat. Each was very fresh and lasted less than 24 hours which wasn't really an issue.

They have a very large selection of cheeses what appeared to me like as premium prices. Since cheese isn't really my area, I decided to wait for the W to buy any.

There is metered parking in front. If you have Verrus Pay By Phone, you can feed the meter with your cell phone. You can also park at the Midtown garage (first hour is free) and walk across the dog park.

The emergency room at Mount Sinai Medical Center is located in the North West Corner with its entrance facing Biscayne Bay. When you enter the Mount Sinai Medical Center, go straight and park in the Emergency parking lot. I've been there several times, usually on weekends and have never waited that long.

Mount Sinai Medical Center has many different services and there are a number of doctors and specialists that have their offices here. The one major challenge is the parking, there are several alternatives. My first choice is the North East Outside parking lot as you enter ($6);  the East Parking Garage is the best value ($5) and has the most parking but you need watch out for the handicapped vehicles and you can end up parking on the top floors which is difficult if you're running late for your appointment; Valet parking ($7) is also an option and there's a South Outdoor Parking lot for Out-Patient Services which is the best lot if you arrive early for a surgery.