I’ve been thinking about it and I think I’m going to retire the BIB Favorite Things series. I mean I’m no Oprah or anything, and I’m not giving these things away, plus I haven’t had much feedback from you (my readers) so I’m not so sure it’s that much appreciated (if I’m wrong, and you’d like me to keep it running, please let me know in the comments below!). What’s more is that my friend actually tried to buy me something for my birthday this year, and thinking my Favorites Things list was, well, my favorite things, she tried to buy one thing after the other on my list. Turns out, each and every one was sold out or not available. Plus, I want to try and leave the birthday surprises up to everyone else from now on and not spell out exactly what I want :) (what can I say, I like surprises!)
For the last BIB Favorite Things monthly edition, I wanted to share some of my favorites from my trip to Florida over Pesach. I was fortunate enough to spend the Chag with my in-laws in Hallandale. If any of you have ever taken a trip somewhere for Pesach, you know how exorbitant the ticket prices can get. The only feasible way for us to afford the tickets was to travel a few days before Pesach and leave a few days after. This gave us a chance to really get around, and I’m so thankful for it. I’m even more thankful to my amazing mother-in-law who babysat countless times so that my husband and I could sneak out by ourselves :) Of course we enjoyed some great family time as well, soaking in the hot Florida sun.

1. Skyward Kites at Haulover Park skywardkites.com
Skyward Kites is a little booth located in Haulover Park in Miami Beach. They sell kites in every size and color, for newbies or more advanced kite-flyers. I really enjoyed flying the kites with my kids (and nephews), and singing “lets go fly a kite” as we did! :)
2. Playmobil Funpark Palm Beach Gardens PlaymobilUSA.com
The Playmobil Funpark was about an hour ride from where we were staying, but was well worth the drive. The place was surprisingly empty when we got there, so my kids had all the amazing stuff to themselves. There are some life-sized figurines as well as various stations set up with different themes of play including dollhouses, farms, police, pirates etc. My kids are young (5 and under) so this place could keep them busy for a while. May not be suitable (ie. boring) for older kids.
3. Mozart Cafe in Sunny Isles, Hollywood & Boca Raton mozartcafefl.com
Mozart is an Israeli style cafe with an expansive menu including pizza, paninis, pasta, sushi, smoothies and many other dishes. The highlight of our lunch was definitely their delicious pizza. It’s worth a trip!
4. Family Bike Rentals on Hollywood Beach A&A Beach Services
Hollywood Beach is a beautiful place to take in some sun, walk along the boardwalk and bike ride with the family. There are several places to rent all sorts of fun cycles for yourself or your family. We had a great time riding along with our kiddies – highly recommended!
5. Cafe bambini cafebambinimiami.com
I wish they had a place like Cafe Bambini in Brooklyn. It houses a great play area for kids (ages 5 and under) complete with a dress-up area, play kitchen, climbing toys, book nook and tons of smaller toys. The cafe was not kosher but they did have some kosher snacks and drinks available. Cafe Bamibini was bright, clean and spacious with free wifi, making it the perfect place for work and play.
6. Cine Citta Grill 9472 Harding Avenue, Surfside, FL, (305) 865-8383 menu
It’s funny how we ended up here. My sister in law recommended that we try out a different restaurant in Bal Harbour, but we didn’t make reservations and when we got there, there was a line out the door. We found this humbler establishment down the block, and we’re so glad we did. I’m not sure if it was because it was one of our first chometzdik meals or not, but it was one of the best restaurant meals I’ve had in a long time. We started with marinated chicken skewers, and a crab cake, and ordered veal chops and a steak for our main. The chops came with the most delicious mushroom risotto, while the steak was served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The restaurant also boasts a bar with a wide variety of cocktails and wines. The waitress was friendly and knowledgable and happy to accomodate us in any way. Although the decor is simple and plain, don’t pass this place up – the food is anything but that.
#7 Serendipity Ice Cream Parlor 9457 Harding Avenue, Surfside, FL, (305) 865-1506 serendipityyogurtcafe.com
Serendipity is a cute little spot in Surfside, serving up delicious ice creams and sorbets. Full assortment of toppings and other confections as well as some gourmet sorbet in their freezer (pear reisling, anyone?).
#8 St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort stregisbalharbour.com
The St. Regis is the newest hotel to hit Miami Beach and it’s anything but ordinary. Located directly across from the Bal Harbour Shops, this modern and luxiurious haven boasts the most gracious staff, outstanding service and amenities as well as magnificent ocean views from a private beach (think private cabanas and free cucumber water + sunscreen).
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