Local Fare by the Port of Miami

Welcome back to this week’s #ShopLocalSaturday; where I highlight local eats and shops that I have visited. This week is featuring  Mambo Cafe  in Miami, Florida!

I was in Miami over the weekend for a business conference at the American Airlines arena (you can ask me in person the next time you see me); we stopped for lunch, and I thought it would be good to explore the local eats in the area.

If you’re ever around that area; there’s a great outdoor mall next to the port with a lot going on outside the shops. You see some mini shows with some of the shops (always eye-catching). There’s definitely a lot of tourists around in the area; since it is downtown Miami.

There were a lot of places to go eat; the chain restaurants that you would recognize anywhere, but I wanted what was local only to Miami, and not found in other areas. And into Mambo Cafe I walked into.

Now, my lunch break was not long, so I had to take my order to go. I could not enjoy the time and the view of the port from the place. Perhaps maybe next time I can do that when there is enough time to do so. What I got was something an appetizer called Caiman Frito; which was alligator tid-bits, or just fried alligator bites.

I had to get back to the arena in time after lunch break was over; but I had a little bit of time to enjoy the alligator bites. It was definitely an acquired taste for sure; as it was a salty dish. But, if you can get through the saltiness, you can taste that alligator is a different meat from any other. It is very chewy and savory. Being that it was in bites, I was able to enjoy them in portions that I prefer.

To end, I would invite anyone that happens to be in the downtown Miami area, to give Mambo Cafe a try. The experience I had may be differ from your if you decide to visit; I say this because the service I got was not what I expected, maybe a huge part of that was I was in a big rush, and I was asking for a dish that needs to be prepared and fried up. But again, maybe your experience will differ from mine. I would like to hear feedback if anyone decides to visit.

As a bonus; if you do wanna get the most bang for your buck; I’ll leave you with the following options below with my links, so that you can earn cash back on what you order while you’re at Mambo Cafe. (adding a new cashback program to this list; Dosh!)

Know of any other local shops that you enjoy going to that should be highlighted? Leave a comment and let me know!

And as always,

Remember to always support your local establishments! They are a part of your community!

-The Eric Fong