Joe's Stone Crab: High-Calibur Goodness in a Fading Calibur Area

South Beach is a forever-evolving speck of land that receives millions of visitors trying to cram into the dozen available parking spaces. Sexy restaurants prop up left and right as little by little your old-school South Beach places are going under or are getting shunned in favor of the glamorous entourage of hip and high-class eateries. So with the culture evolving and growing in certain sections, other restaurants that used to be in high-traffic areas are suddenly looking a little abandoned.

Enter Joe’s Stone Crab. I have known about this place for years because of its legal monopoly-like stranglehold in the stone crab industry---its access to a type of crab that roams the South Florida oceans that can regenerate its claws which allows for tons of delicious seafood while minimizing the amount of actual population draining. I know of the place. But when I actually go find the place, it was shockingly out of the way when compared to the other spots in South Beach.

It is about 1-2 miles away from the Calle Ocho scene, the Washington Drive scene, the area of the beach with the most ambiance, and even away from Prime 112—which is also notoriously in the boondocks of the South Beach vibe. It almost felt like walking into a trap as it was located smack dab in the middle of heavy construction and not much else. Wait, they are offering free parking?



Not sure what to anticipate now.

Luckily the inside of the restaurant was far better than the outer surroundings. Like I said before, South Beach is always under construction to try to meet the demands of the South Florida scene. The place had the high-class theming, the high-class setting, and the entire staff was decked out in professionalism. There was a chef in front of a glass case displaying the entourage of crab, lobster, and shrimp offerings within the restaurant (and the bar…which makes it very Floridian).

My main reason for the visit was to hand my mom the ultimate Mother’s Day present for a mom that happens to be a crab fanatic: a chance to try some of the highest-acclaimed crab in all of Florida. Now the menu was decked out with tons of offerings and in rather north prices, but they do advertise that sharing is accepted and expected—similar to the also-expensive Prime 112. Sharing was a necessity because the stone crab cost over $50 by itself without any sides. That was going to hurt.

We ordered 5 of the large stone crab claws, and then combined that with some lobster tacos. The stone crab claws themselves don’t have anything added, it was as pure as it gets. It also came with a special house-made mustard sauce. The claws were an absolute battle to get through, especially for someone like me that lacks the experience fighting food---this is why I never order lobster. But once the fighting finishes (and those claws will indeed put up a fight) and you try some of the meat, you are in for some of the heartiest, thickest, juiciest, and sweetest crabmeat this side of the hemisphere. And the extremely creamy and flavorful mustard sauce improved upon the meal in every single conceivable way. Even though its only 5 claws, its actually enough to fill you up altogether---crab and their delicious bread starter is enough to fill the stomach.

The lobster tacos was a medley of flavors, ranging from the tangy/fruity variety right down to the heat from the fried lobster chunks. The blend of chill and heat combined with the taco crunch and soft lobster created the perfect combination to satisfy all the taste buds. And of course I combined this with the mustard. I assure you, Joe’s Stone Crab Mustard Sauce can enhance anything, potentially even Golden Corral cuisine. That being said, the price tags are nasty, you better be coming here when finances are smiling upon you.

Mission accomplished as my mom fell in love with the stone crab here, and she didn’t need anything else. But of course we wind up ordering coffee and dessert regardless. Key lime pie was considered the specialty according to our chef. The pie here was quite delicious, but it’s hard to top those made in the outskirts of Key West (Especially the key lime pie dipped in chocolate). It was a great dinner in a nice setting, even if the surroundings look like Miami abandoned the place a long time ago.

Bottom Line: Once you get past the sexy glitz and glamour of South Beach (some will argue why you would want to) you will find a place that used to be the pinnacle of high class during the olden days. While the scene has diminished, the restaurant itself still serves acclaimed food and has a beautiful indoor setting to accompany it. While the prices may make you die inside, you’ll get the complete package of great service and even better food. This place is not going to warrant a weekly visit, but once you muster the financial courage you’ll be able to taste some of the best seafood in South Florida, especially coming from the crab category.


Final Verdict: Recommend


Joe’s Stone Crab
11 Washington Ave,
Miami Beach, FL 33139

German Pavilion: One of Disney's Hidden Food Gems

When guests, locals, experts, and newcomers mention good food in Disney World, the German pavilion usually isn’t in the conversation. You’ll hear the likes of Mexico, Hollywood Brown Derby, Le Celier, the restaurants in the Magic Kingdom hotels, Crystal Palace, and Be Our Guest before any mention of anything German. But I am here to prove that there is much more than meets the eye in this pavilion. It starts with the best macaroni and cheese within the 30 mile radius and one of the more underrated Disney treats.

Next to the Biergarten, the German buffet (that is also quite good, although rather anti-Vegetarian), is a small quick-service place that sports only a handful of tables and chairs. The menu isn’t very diverse, and the kitchen itself for the chefs doesn’t even seem that big. But the Nudel Gratin is the latest lunch item invented, and according to early reports its macaroni and cheese on quality steroids. Being a certified Mac and Cheese fan, I had to give this place a shot.

I ordered the Nudel Gratin as well as their potato salad. The nudel gratin is a delicious hunk of cheesy goodness that is thick and creamy on the inside, while boasting a crunchy cheesy outer core that only furthers its layers of flavor. Don’t let the $3.49 price fool you, this thing packs a heavy punch and with the right side you have yourself a good meal. The key difference between this work of mac art and the typical mac and cheese is all the custard involved. If you love lactose, than you’ll love this chunk of awesome. I can eat 4 of these in one shot, honestly.

But there’s the potato salad to worry about, which also packs a punch thanks to the think hearty slices of potato combined with plenty of eggs. Salads rarely can get more filling than this. All in all this looks-small-feels-tall meal cost me just north of $6, although that wa without dessert and their cake looked amazing. But I had bigger fish to fry.

Inside the winery is a special type of chocolate. They have these chocolates shaped like bottles. Now why do you ask? Maybe its because it has brandy inside. And not just a little, enough so that I can’t get any sort of discount since it has alcohol inside. Not baked, not lathered in, actual minimal shot of brandy once you bite into it. It is the gift that keeps on giving. There really isn’t enough love for brandy, not to the likes of tequila, rum, and Jack. But it works very, very well with German chocolate.

Now let’s say you would rather not mix chocolate and alcohol. What about caramel? Even though I do miss the selling of the massive bags of German chocolate and cookie treats, they made up for it thanks to the Werther’s Caramel section of the park. This gem boasts the one spot which allows you to see caramel popcorn being made on the spot in Disney World. The smell is intoxicating. There’s more than just caramel popcorn however as you’ll see fudge, fruit, pretzels, rice crispies, and many other items wrapped in caramel. I usually am a sucker for the cookies, but this time went with the marshmallows dipped in chocolate and then lathered in goblets of caramel.



Bottom Line: So the next time you are in Epcot and the lines for food are ridiculous practically everywhere, have no fret and just march on over to Germany. Although it is not as popular for food as the other spots, it is just as good an option for food beyond the typical German beer and massive pretzels. From the quick service spot to the caramel shop, Germany makes for a great pit stop to get something to eat.