Priceless...

It's probably not terribly proper to blog about a dining experience (that's what Tripadvisor is for) but we took a chance on a restaurant labeled as "acclaimed" in Miami and I must say that we were completely pleased.
You see Robin's birthday was earlier this week, and I thought it wouldn't really be practical to fly everyone out here for a party, you know, since it's so hard to get time off from work and all.
First off, thanks to all who sent cards and e-mails and text messages and voice mails to her. It's great to stay in touch even electronically. We do feel the physical distance between where we are and where we came from when events or holidays come around and we are still in the process of finding our way around the new city and new workplace. There has been precious little time to dedicate to building new friendships 'here', and we still miss the good friends we enjoyed so much back 'there'. I almost said back 'home' and that would be only partly true. It's definitely our 'home' stomping grounds since we spent so long there and learned our way around so well. It's definintely 'home' because our heart is still there with our friends and family, and it's 'home' becuase we're new here yet and a big, culturally different city is somewhat daunting when you try to absorb it.
But we have a now have a Welcome Mat just inside the door that simply states "Home is Where You Park It" and it applies so very well to what we are chasing. So far we have found that we are pretty content to explore when and where we can, to do our best to make and endear new acquaintances and to make the most of each day. It's nice to have a goal and to be in pursuit of it and that's all I have to say about that.
So.. I made reservations for two at a place called "Azul" in downtown Miami. This place came pretty highly touted and since it was to be a special night for Robin, I had high hopes for the evening.
When I made the reservation I let them know that it was to be Robin's birthday and that we love to have a table with a view of the bay. This place is one of those kinds of places where I've read that tipping might be the only way to get a view, but it was wrong advice. The advice I'd give is to make their first seating time (which I did...unwittingly) and show up about 20 minutes early to get to know the staff a bit and have a drink.
We were seated front-row-center at the perfect table and we were alone for a short while until other patrons began filling the place up.
It was an experience like none other, better than the best we've had on a cruise ship or on land. the food was outstanding and the service impeccable. There were six or more staff attending to us and they managed to do that without intrusion or annoyance. The food presentation was made for a book cover and tasted so good that it presented a tough dilemma. On one hand you wanted to savor each bite and let the flavors linger, but that meant the food would be cold before too long .. oh what to do???
We spent an easy and fun two and a half hours over dinner and when the sang was sung it was not as expensive as I was expecting for a millionaire frequented place. We certainly can't make it a weekly visit (that what Mama Mia's is for) but it was affordable for a special occasion and worth every dime ... ermmm dollar ... umm ... twenty ... well you get it :) We'll go back. It was elegant and romantic and had it been just a bit quieter, perfect.
We would've stayed much longer had we not needed to get up early for work the next day, and I am confident that the restaurant would've let us stay there all evening had we chosen. It was a 'wow' experience.
I love to share :)