Sugar Fix: Azucar

Before I share with you the best kept ice cream secret in Miami, for those who live in MIA - mark your calendars! This Friday, April 5th, one of my favorite local bands is performing.

Take Sixx will be rocking the house at Fritz and Frantz Bierhaus in Coral Gables. The show starts at 9:00pm and it's $5 dollars at the door. Every penny goes to Lotus House, a local organization that serves women who are homeless due to domestic violence, untreated medical or mental illness, disability or economic reasons. The facility houses over 100 women and children at a time.

So, to review:

Take Sixx Benefit Concert for Lotus House
Friday, April 5, 2013
9:00pm - 1:00am
Fritz and Franz Bierhaus - 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL

Ok, back to the ice cream.

While in Miami last weekend my parents took me out for tapas and then we headed to Little Havana for dessert. The main street in Little Havana is 8th Street, referred to by the locals as Calle Ocho.

In the center of Calle Ocho is a Cuban ice cream mecca called Azucar (which means sugar in English). I love the huge, tacky ice cream sign above the door.

The neon signs are just so Miami!

Inside the shop is an enormous painting of singer Celia Cruz. If you know the song "Guantanamera" then you also know Celia shouts "Azucar!" at the start of the song, hence the homage.

While Celia's portrait owns the wall, the floors are also eye catching. These brightly colored tiles remind me of the details at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

The flavors at Azucar are constantly changing, so while you can check the chalkboard, the best way to go is to hover over the glass case and read each offering.

The flavor getting the most attention was called "Hay Chihauhua!" which was a version of spicy chocolate.

The local favorite is a flavor called "Abuela Maria" (abuela means grandmother) which has crushed cookies mixed in. If you read Azucar's founder's story on their website, you'll learn much more about Abuela.

After much deliberation I decided to go with the Dulce de Leche. Look how creamy!

At Azucar there is a sign above the cash register that reads, "Things to do today: Wake up, eat ice cream, take nap, repeat." Yes, please!

Along the far wall of the shop, after the cash register, is a chalkboard meant for your John Hancock. Many of the little kids who came in couldn't wait to add their name.

Azucar is the quintessential neighborhood hang out. Everyone who comes in is a regular. They are already checking for their favorite flavors before they even look the scooper in the eye. I absolutely loved the bright colors, the fun vibe and of course, the epic painting of Celia Cruz.

Visit Azucar at 1503 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL.

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

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Address:
Azucar
1503 SW 8th Street
33135 Miami , FL
United States
Florida US