Ahh ….The breathtakingly, beautiful Biltmore. It must be one my most treasured spots and without a doubt my favorite hotel in Miami. I’m not sure what is so captivating, it could be the historic architecture, the poolside mojitos or the fact that it has the largest hotel pool in the US.
IF I had enough money, I would totally get a membership…I mean they must know who I am….
The price of a deluxe cabana per day is $89…while beaches are free? For a big group though, it’s $129, so once you split it up it only costs $18 per person. You even get our own phone to the bar/restaurant to assure your drinks arrive swimmingly speedy (that’s my kind of service).
Last year for my mom’s birthday my grandmother got my family and I a one week pass to use the pool and gym (we did not use the gym once). This was also “apparently” when Tom Cruise was staying at the luxurious resort, while filming Rock of Ages. Yes, I totally tried to stalk to him and failed. I did get a good look at all the tour buses.
When my mother visited last week, we attempted to sneak in the world-famous pool. However, it was cloudy and rainy so we hit the poolside restaurant, Cascade. If you are not a hotel guest, you are free to dine anywhere in the hotel which also includes the 19th Hole with a stunning view of the golf course.
A very attractive delicious offer I recently read about on their website is their Champagne Bunch. I just looked at the menu and it is the mother truffle of all brunches. It will cost you $75, which better include the champagne (hence Champagne Brunch), but this is the oh so glorious Biltmore so they can do whatever the hell they want. The buffet includes caviar,pâtés, lamb, prime rib, sushi, seafood on ice, cooked seafood, three thousand different salads (I’m exaggerating), pasta, eggs and a desert station with fondue! The menu basically offers EVERY edible, phenomenal, delicacy. If I went to this brunch I would for sure try to save room for their Eggs Benedict with Black Truffle Hollandaise…do they have that in heaven? Also, after this brunch I would need to get escorted out because, I would be too full to move.
See! You can literally suck out the sugar!
Now, that I made your mouths water I will proceed to my lunch. We sat right by the pool and instantly greeted by our waiter who quickly, brought over waters and bread. I had one piece of bread and had to slap my hand when I reached for seconds. It was so warm and yummy! I never eat bread either, I rather consume my calories with drinks and more “snacky” snacks. Like always at The Biltmore, we started with our standard pitcher of Mojitos. And man, I literally could have drank one myself..one pitcher that is… They are just so appropriately cooling, for the summers. These mojitos also don’t deprive you of sugar canes, like most normal mojitos do. You can literally bite and suck the sugar out of the cane.
The menu has very fresh dishes, including a lot for the health conscious which is so ideal for summers in Miami! Their little vegan menu includes unique dishes like Spicy Mango Ginger Soup and a Heirloom Tomato Tartare…not like your average plastic tasting, flax-seed, plain jane. If the seasonal Florida Large Stone Crabs won’t lure you in, then you should just leave. Seriously, I mean if you don’t like stone crabs you and I don’t like you (except you Pop). Sorry to be harsh, but our relationship just would not survive.
My mother and I have had the pleasure of eating here more than a few times and the Smoked White Fish Spread is ALWAYS a must. I forgot to take a picture because…well… I blame it on the moijito. The spread is very fresh, and not too creamy. There is nothing worse than an overly mayo, creamy dip. I don’t want to feel cellulite growing while I eat, thanks. Since, I live, breathe and eat tabasco (Yes, I carry it in my purse) I prefer to sprinkle some in the dip just because, I personally thinks it add a necessary, kick. The plate is also paired with little, lightly toasted baguettes, and a cooling caper, tomato, olive salsa that compliments the dip entirely with its acidity. If you are a fish dip fan I highly recommend purchasing Smoked Fish Dip from Fresh Market, It is great snack to put out for parties.
The half that was left
For my entrée, I was banking on ordering the Nicoise salad I typically ordered there. I was extremely disappointed to hear the salad was cut from their menu. Their Nicoise was extraordinary; even the waiter said, he did not know why it was eliminated either. My mom and I concluded that the chef must have got sick of making it all the time-so not cool.
We both were trying to watch our figure since, it is all after all, bikini season (Boo). I love shrimp, so I chose the Caesar salad with the Island Spiced Rock shrimp and my mother naturally, copied me. The salad definitely hit the spot. It was not overloaded with dressing, the crutons were homemade and had a zesty, zing. The shrimps were seasoned to my “likey” with some spicy. They were on the smaller side but, I did not mind because, it saved me cutting time. The salads are also giant! It definitely could have fed two people.
My other suggestions:
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My favorite Mahi Mahi Sandwich in Miami: The super soft, slightly, sweet macadamia nut bun is heavenly
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My mother’s favorite Maine Lobster Salad sandwich: This lobster salad is full of generously, sized FRESH lobster chunks that is served with a contrasting mango, pineapple and fresh cilantro
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Grilled Vegetables in a Wheat wrap: NOT what you think, the veggies are cooked perfectly with a generous amount of smoked gouda that is so “gooda”
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As a side to your sandwich definitely order the Tomato, Cucumber salad: It’s healthy, satisfying, acidic and refreshing and believe me your body will thank you because, if you ordered the fries you would have eaten them all (I mean if you already have a hot body, GO FOR THE FRIES)
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Saturdays are a must at
Cascade, Enjoy
Half Off Mojitos (1-5) with live music
Throughout our lunch, the staff was on their best behavior, proving how superb their service is. I have not one complaint. We were constantly paid attention to and every wish was at our command. Our drinks were never empty.
If you are ever in Miami or live there please do yourself a favor and go to the Biltmore. A day pass will cost you $50 to use the pool and gym or grab a gang and go for the cabana. Just think, you can look at your visit as an educational purpose. I mean, the place is historic. You can order lunch on the lounge chairs and eat by the pool or sit down at Cascade. There is also the 19th hole, I mentioned earlier, for you lacoste, country club lovers. The Champagne Brunch is only offered on Sundays from 10-4. Call (305) 445-8066 Ext. 2407 for reservations. Like my friend Ellie says, go drink Champagne for your Campaign.
Live a little, and treat yourself at The Biltmore.
Stumble It! 
