My friend’s wedding was slated to start terribly late into the evening, because Cuban weddings and Miami heat…so we opted for a big, late lunch to tide us over. The Gentleman was hoping for Cuban cuisine, and as we were staying in Brickell, we landed on Marabou in the city center. Wood fired everything, a meticulous kitchen with see-through window, and fully Cuban staff set the vibe immediately just right.

Plaintain chips, always a favorite, were immediately provided and being lovers of Spanish cuisine, we of course had to try the ham croquettas served with limey goodness. Thick and indulgent, these would do just the job to balance the complimentary honeymoon wine we just enjoyed at Sugar.

The Gentleman chose roast chicken with rice and beans, while I enjoyed the most epic chopped salad that I can’t wait to re-create at home. I’m obsessed with a chopped salad and revel in anything slightly different, so the combo of radish, chickpeas, plantains, and plenty of veg topped with perfectly grilled prawn had me in a gastronomic tailspin of happiness.

Despite the somewhat odd location of Brickell City Center, I would not hesitate to return to this casual, but delicious respite of Cuban cuisine in the land of overly posh restaurants.