Yeleny "Yeli" S.'s Profile

Add this one to your retro radar. This is one of my favorite spots to dig through vintage clothing, handbags and super cool accessories. You may need to visit a couple times before you find something you but the hunt and best of all unique finds makes it all that much more fun.
The prices range from low $20s to high $100s. I've never bought anything over $70 so I find it pretty reasonable for vintage at its best including major brands like Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Try on some of the many unique accessories like the various distinctive belts and necklaces sure to spice up an outfit. The store is small but packed with stuff so visit with time to dig.

Despite its dodgy location and muddled décor the Pad Thai and garlic chicken are worth a visit. We strolled in on a late Wednesday night and the venue was pretty empty. Actually we and another couple were the only ones at the place still adorned with Halloween décor.
I was craving Pad Thai therefore deciding was pretty easy though the sushi served to the couple near by looked very appetizing. The Pad Thai came with generous pieces of crumbled peanuts and crunchy bean sprouts and the shrimp was not undersized. The noodles were perfectly cooked and sweetness was well-balanced.
The also well-balanced garlic chicken came with rice and a generous portion of tasty vegetables. Portions are fair, enough to take some home for later. We did and plan on coming back for some sushi or curry.

Unlike the large dinning venue, parking here is limited and tight but don't be discouraged. Find a small spot to squeeze into and head inside the all booths deli. The menu has a lot to choose from. However, I went for the good old reliable egg white omelet with American cheese and mushrooms that came with a sizable side of home fries and toast or bagel of choice (wheat for me) accompanied by a generous side of cream cheese. The meals here are hefty and service is fast, so quick you'd think they have it pre cooked in the back.
My boyfriend had a bagel with fresh roasted turkey breast with a side of coleslaw and Russian dressing to spread on his yummy turkey that was reminiscent of Thanksgiving Day feast.

When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping. Hands down this is my favorite upscale boutique. I am always sure to find more than one item I LOVE, not like, LOVE. That says a lot from someone who is extremely selective but VIGI has distinctive designers and pieces that always make it hard for me to choose. Do take lots of cash or plastic. Items range from $100 a top to a $400 plus dress but your beautiful well fitted purchases are sure to up your mood.
The shoes are not to my liking but the clothes from dresses, tops and jeans are always a hit in my book. If you are like me and hate the overwhelming vast selection of malls and large crowds, this is a must visit spot. Visit in the morning then you can walk down to Town Kitchen & Bar for breakfast an enjoy $15 unlimited mimosas to celebrate your finds.

We visited last weekend after attending the Miami Beach Antique, Jewelry & Watch Show. We had been walking for quite some time so we decided to sit inside for some air conditioning. We ordered the ruspante panini with grilled chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomato and mayo. We also tried a cheese pizza with chicken.
We loved the soft panini bread and were pleased to learn they are not cheap with the chicken and vegetables. The freshly baked thin pizza could have been crispier for my liking but was still very good and sufficient on toppings.
Service was attentive. We nibbled on the fresh warm bread served before our order arrived. But don't get full on the bread, the portions are very reasonable and the food is worth saving the extra space.

My Mexican friend had raved about this place and we finally visited after a Cirque du Soleil show early this year. However, unknown to her, I keep coming back for more. Lucky for me, my boyfriend who lives near by, also enjoys the Tex-Mex, southwestern like cuisine and here it's very fresh and healthy.
The décor is western cowboy. I am yet to figure out the ugly centerpieces on the wooden tables but who cares, we are here to eat.
The baked chicken flautas topped with shredded cheese are amazing and plentiful. The burritos are my favorite. In one of my visits, I swapped the chicken in my burrito for pulled pork and though very tasty it could be a little too heavy for the belly. Do try the posse energy burrito with refried beans, rice, lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese and add guacamole and chicken for a perfect bite. I also love the Mason jar drinking mugs with handles in which soft drinks are served. The place could be easily missed and hard to find but worth the hunt.

Here quantity trumps quality. I appreciate fashion and its history and those who know me know I love a good bargain but will also pay top dollar for a rare piece. This is not your average "thrifty" thrift though, hence the emphasis on the word thrift.
A very similar belt I bought at Fly Boutique on Lincoln Road for $20, the overprized C.Madeliene's was asking for a very high $80. OUCH!
My boyfriend came across some Kuna Indian (name of the indigenous people of Panama) "Molas" art which would have perfectly match one at home he picked up for $20 while in Panama.  C. Madeliene's price, $450.00. At first we thought she said $45 but nope, it was no mistake. The price was negotiable but in the hundreds. Someone with no knowledge of the piece would be majorly ripped off.
Yes, the place is by far the largest vintage store I've visited so prepare to be overwhelmed with loads of accessories and clothes. They carry both men's and women's clothing and I am sure those who dig find, but can't guarantee the price will be right. The best place for your wallet may just be the locker they make you store your purse in because price and quality are no match here.

What can I say, I am totally addicted to the vinaigrette dressing on the salad. Whatever is in it, it's really good. We sat outside for a short while and waited on the waiter to bring us a menu since he failed to mention, it's on the wall, literally. It's a chalkboard menu on the wall inside slightly varying daily.
We moved inside the small twenty something seating and simply decorated venue and guessed right. Service was better indoors and not too loud. Hungry and thinking dishes may be a bit small we each ordered a green salad and also shared the caprese salad drizzled with a notable basil sauce.
Note to self, portions are reasonable one salad would have been enough to start our meal. We tried dipping the bread in what was left of the delicious basil sauce and found the bread to be a bit stale, maybe it was left over from the morning. We also shared the curry chicken, mixed in with finely cut vegetables and apple, which was surprisingly, a good pairing. The waitress said it was a house favorite and we now understand why. It came accompanied by rice. It's enough to share and be satisfied. Prices are reasonable too. A glass of their mostly French wine selection ranges from $6 to $9 and meals from $7 to low $20s if you are craving seafood. Located a couple blocks away from my man's home means we will most likely become regulars. I'm looking forward to our next visit.

When craving Asian cuisine, I lean more towards Thai or Japanese but NEVER Chinese. The dishes are usually too greasy and high in sodium for my taste. When I do, I go for steamed dishes but frankly, it's not appetizing to me at all. Unlike me, my Chinese-food devotee colleagues, two being Chinese, rave about this place and order at least once a week so I figured I would give it a try.
I wasn't impressed the first time around. I tried the Moo Goo Gai Pan, sliced chicken breast with mushrooms sautéed with vegetables and found it flavorless.
Then I tried the orange chicken and it's the best I've ever had. The breading is just right, not thick and meatless like other Chinese venues and they are not cheap on the sauce which I enjoy mixing in with white rice. Chicken with cashes is pretty good too. I also tried the meaty steamed dumplings that came accompanied by two delicious dipping sauces, the red one packs a lot of heat so  mix in a little at a time.

Free mimosas anyone? We visited early Saturday morning and contemplated on one of our favorite spots, GreenStreet, but gave George's a shot instead. We sat at one of the few outside tables. The service was a bit slow but once the warm and fresh basket of French bread with a very flavorsome jelly and complimentary mimosas were brought out, we let bygones be bygones. I went for the eggs benedict, a bit salty to taste but not bad overall. My man went for the Mediterranean omelet; both came with tasty home potatoes which we dipped in ketchup for extra taste. We weren't swept of our feet but were very much satisfied. The waiter also topped us with another round of mimosas and we were not charged for it. Maybe it was the champagne but we left happy and satisfied.