I am Cuban by birth, but Peruvian by marriage, and because of this fusion of cultures that occurred last November, I have been lucky enough to experience some of the tastiest and most culturally rich dishes this side of the Florida Turnpike. It tugs at my Cuban heart to admit this, but I’ve recently begun to discover that Peruvians basically invented food and everything that is good about it (and if you haven’t tried huancaina sauce yet, you’ll probably only feel like challenging this statement until you do). Today’s lunch at Ceviche 105 just solidified this sentiment for me that much more. Below, I present all the evidence you need. Check them out for yourself at 105 N.E. 3rd Avenue.

Forget Miami Spice. Go to Shiver’s. Go – RUN. There are really no words I could ever come up with that could do this little BBQ gem any justice, so I’ve included pics below (thanks, Hubby) and dare you not to drool. Oh, and ask for the Martha Sauce. You’re welcome.

The husband and I have decided to actually leave our amazingly comfortable couch and venture away from Cheetos and bacon for a few weeks to enjoy Miami Spice, one item on a short list of reasons why I ever really enjoy summer in a city where 85 degree weather passes for “brisk.”

Our first stop this year was at the Mondrian for some Asian-inspired Latin fare at Asia de Cuba. While the decor was intriguing and whimsical in a Wonderland kind of way, it was the pairing of bold flavors and seasonings in each dish that left a lasting impression long after we’d exited the marble-encased madness. Major points for the lobster mash, a definite favorite. Though we’re still not sure if everything else quite went together on the plate, we can definitely agree that boredom was not an issue.

Oh, yeah. We saw Fat Joe. That’s gotta count for something, right? The journey continues for decent food in Miami. We’ll keep you posted. Next stop: Fontana.

There’s got to be something inherently wrong with me. It’s the only way to explain why I’ve been home from the dentist for only two hours, my mouth is swollen and numb with four generous shots of novacaine (hey, I’m terrified of the drill, ok?), and all I’ve been able to think about for the past three hours is how I can’t have any solid food. To be more precise, I’m craving a cupcake. And not the plain vanilla or chocolate kind you can pick up at any grocery store. I want the real deal – Red Velvet from Sweetness Bake Shop on Sunset and 95th Avenue. Or maybe Maple Bacon, which actually tastes like breakfast heaven in every bite. Or the one with the Key Lime Pie baked in the middle… Mmm…

This place is 2 minutes away from my house but  I just recently discovered their unique cupcake menu on Sunday during an afternoon junk food run with my hubby. I’d actually been there a few weeks before to purchase a box full of their daily variety (16 to be exact) for Frenchy’s Bachelorette Sleepover. I never actually got to taste them, however, seeing as to how a box of cupcakes in a room full of girls stands absolutely no chance. So Tony and I decided to drop in and inevitably brought home a small box that didn’t last past Monday afternoon. If you haven’t been there yet, I recommend checking out their site for the daily menu and indulging at least once in their rendition of the Guayabera – good enough to make Abuela proud (and that toothache completely worth it).

P.S. If you’re a fan of True Blood, check out their themed cupcakes on June 13th just in time for the season 3 premier.