We have been to many Westin hotels and have each time been thoroughly impressed. If you think of the Westin hotels as the standard fare of proper hotels, you'd be wrong. They possess secret jems in the form of their restaurants and their service throughout (restaurant or hotel) is changing the standard. It first began for us at Bacco's in the New Orlean's French Quarter Westin. The last person to dine there was President George W. Bush while touring the aftermath of Katrina (locals call her "that Bitch!") and the restaurant was gone forever. We then experienced an amazing meal at Zocca, at the Westin on San Antonio's Riverwalk and began to wonder - what is it with the Westin restaurant scene? We would later also be beyond impressed at Bistro 245 at the Westin Key West and will showcase soon. We seem to have had some very surprising and beyond belief experiences at Westin restaurants. With this in mind, we then found ourselves famished and fatigued after a long days journey and decided to just hang up the hat and dine locally. Sushi Samba inside the Westin Coral Gables was again another impressive and very delightful experience - and fortunately for us - it was Miami's restaurant week: something we love because we have learned that chefs take the stage in their own kitchens and want to showcase the very best of their skills during this time...and to attract loyal customers. It works...over and over again. If you have a chance to partake in restaurant week, anywhere - do so - the chefs are showcasing their skills.
The Westin Coral Gables is in the heart of the Miracle Mile district. It's location is perfect for a stroll up or down this exclusive shopping district filled with little bistros and shops. Surprisingly, it is easy to do so without gathering much discomfort - the weather, although tropical, is very pleasant. You may not even break a sweat!
Miami roof tops are where all the fun happens, especially at night! It is an oasis in the tropical heat and overlooks the beautiful city. We could have spent the entire afternoon up on the roof...but fine foods seduced us away!
The interior of the Westin is stunning! With marbled flooring, a grand piano, a grand marbled stairwell, and a three storied foyer - it all exudes the opulence of a bygone era.
A very unique and pleasurable aesthetic of Coral Gables is its architecture. The Westin is part of an original structure dating back to the '20's of the twentieth century. It is immediately reminiscent of Rome's Pantheon and the painting in the linked site was viewed by the Bon Vivant Gourmets at Houston's Museum of Fine Arts.
|
|
|
