1) Coral Gables: Just off Miracle Mile, Zielo is the new Latin Seafood restaurant in the Gables. Zielo is clean and pristine while still feeling warm and rustic. The inside is mostly awash in white: white chairs, tables, tablecloths, and chandeliers, with touches of blue placed throughout and some books on the shelves (probably for light reading in between courses). The menu is a fusion of Latin and Mediterranean with plates like octopus carpaccio, papparedelle with short rib, empanadas, ceviche, and a deconstructed Cuban sandwich. Status: Certified Open; 264 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, (786) 953-4182 Previous Coverage: Urban Daddy, 09/12; Miami.com, 09/12
2) Coconut Grove: While college might or might not be a distant memory, it's easily revisited now thanks to Mr. Frogs. Sure it's located in the Grove, the going out spot for thirsty UM students, but Mr. Frogs is pretty much a sure fire party every night of the week for everyone with drink specials and DJs. Start off the week with Animal House Mondays for the flip cup and beer pong tourneys, come Wednesday and get rum and cokes for just a buck, or free shots on Thursday with a Facebook check in. There's also a tiki hut out back that's pet-friendly, a small bar menu of Latin-inspired eats, and shooter cupcakes filled with jello shots and wrapped in cake. A recipe for fun. Status: Certified Open; 3421 Main Highway, Coconut Grove (305) 849-2111
Previous Coverage: Thrillist, 09/11; iCoconutGrove 09/04
3) Fort Lauderdale: Get him to the Greek, or just get him to Thasos for some refined Greek delicacies. Putting a modern spin on traditional Greek fare, Thasos is a sexy addition to Fort Lauderdale's dining scene, boasting outdoor and indoor seating, and a bar serving up Skinos Sours- the Grecians take on a Pisco Sour. There are more than enough mezzes (small, shared plates) to make a meal, from spanakopita, hummus, and grape leaves to baby sepia (cuttlefish) and fried zucchini chips. But it might be worth saving room for an entree with pumpkin swordfish, grilled whole Mediterranean sea bass, and spit-roasted crown rack of pork rounding out the offerings. Thasos doesn't just sound like the name of a lost Greek God, it has the allure of one too. Status: Certified Open; 3330 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, (954) 200-6006
Previous Coverage: Miami.com, 09/07; Urban Daddy, 09/05
[Photo of Zielo by Justin Namon for Urban Daddy]