After an incredible Thanksgiving feast on Thursday evening and a family viewing of "A Very GaGa Thanksgiving" I woke up Friday morning ready to take complete advantage of the Black Friday savings.
My mother and I headed to Collins Ave in Miami Beach around 12:00pm. We had supreme parking karma and got a spot right outside Banana Republic where I had a dress on hold. Ladies and gentleman, I found my bridesmaid dress! This dress is 100% meant to be. Not only is it the exact color and style the bride was hoping for, I love the way it looks and feels, and it's only available in Miami because it's part of Banana's Luxe Collection, which is their resort wear. I never could have found this in Boston!
After picking up the dress we walked six blocks to Big Pink for lunch. My whole family loves Big Pink, but I had never been.
You can spot Big Pink from about a block away.
I love their logo! How cute is this sign above the door?
Big Pink has a very popular outdoor patio. It was completely full when we got there at 12:45pm.
Parked in front of the outdoor patio is Big Pink's delivery car - a pink, Volkswagon bug! What else?!
Since the patio was spoken for, we took a seat inside. As soon as we stepped in the doorway I noticed Big Pink's gumball machine. Too cute!
The inside of Big Pink has a diner vibe. We sat in the center of the room, but they also have leather booths along the left side of the room.
The tables at Big Pink are, well, hot pink! This feels so Miami.
Even though we were inside, the sun was beaming in through every window, so I still felt like I was basking in the Florida sunshine.
Our friendly waitress came over to bring us the menus. I could not believe the size of it! It felt like holding the Sunday New York Times!
Both my mother and I ordered ice teas to start and they came in huge, cold glasses.
For an appetizer we split the polenta fries with spicy ketchup. I don't know why, but when I saw these on the menu, they just spoke to me.
I know in the photo they look like sponges, but let me tell you, these were light, fluffy, lightly crisped on the outside and sublime when dipped into the cold, spicy ketchup.
Everyone sitting around us and even people walking by noticed our tower of polenta and kept asking with wonder, "My goodness, what is that?"
For her lunch my mother ordered the salmon club which came with avocado, red onion, tomato, bacon and salmon.
The sandwich came with a side of housemade potato chips, but my mother requested a side salad instead.
I decided to order the Greek salad. I chose a salad because I was trying to eat light after our Thanksgiving display of gluttony, but when the salad arrived it was enormous! So much for eating light!
The salad had at least two heads of lettuce, bright, juicy, red tomatoes, Greek olives, feta cheese, pita bread and pickled cucumbers and onions.
I barely made a dent.
The food at Big Pink is incredible and the menu has something for everyone. Consider splitting things, as the portion sizes are huge. If you're visiting from out of town, check out the Big Pink merchandise. They have super cute t-shirts, hats, baby bibs and more that make great gifts.
Post-lunch we walked back toward the car on Ocean Drive. While walking I took this photo with Instagram for the iPhone:
Before heading home we popped into GAP, Urban Outfitters and ALDO to capitalize on more Black Friday deals.
After the shopping marathon, we came home to rest. We ate a delicious dinner of Thanksgiving leftovers and then at 8:30pm we headed to Books & Books in Coral Gables to hear the Emmet Cohen Trio. Emmet Cohen is a student at the University of Miami and an incredible jazz piano player.
While sipping on a cafe mocha on the outdoor patio, I took in the sounds of Emmet's keyboard, the bass and the drums.
This was my second live jazz performance of the trip. It's been so nice enjoying all of this live music for the price of one drink!
How are you enjoying the Thanksgiving break?
