For most of my life, annual trips to Florida were to visit family in Jacksonville, the sprawling northern city not far from the Georgia border known more for its losing football team (go Jaguars?) than its culture or food. A few years back, however, I began making regular visits to Miami. It has been joyous to watch the city’s neighborhoods change and grow, especially Brickell and the Design District, and to indulge in the thriving food and drink culture.

A sane, relaxation-loving individual would make some time away from the table to chill on the beach, too, but I prefer to criss-cross town to try new spots (Chat Chow TV and Eater are essential resources for staying up to date on these) and to return to old favorites (La Cameronera, will you marry me?). Here are some of my top picks in Miami!

A special shout-out to my buddy David Semanoff who has his finger on the pulse and always shares the best dining advice. For drinking intel, my friends at PUNCH have it all.