Casa Bacardi

Since I arrived at Miami International Airport just a bit before lunchtime and had a layover of several hours, I was on the hunt for a decent restaurant in lieu of the usual fast food options. My day had started before the sun rose and I'd been on the move since so I had a healthy appetite worked up. Strolling through the concourses, I came across a food court and one sign in particular stood out. The famous Bacardi sign glowed before me and since my screen name is leah151 (not why I choose the moniker anymore but it is a number most often not taken), it felt appropriate. I approached the still quiet host stand and shortly after was greeted by a waitress who allowed me to take a seat of my choosing (I chose next to an outlet to recharge my cell phone).

Upon perusing the menu, I was pleased with the selection of Caribbean-based food and cocktails. Being the 'Bacardi' restaurant, it was no surprise that mojitos were on the menu and since I was still officially 'on vacation', even though it was before noon, I ordered the traditional mojito along with an appetizer of conch fritters. The mojito came and I was soon happily buzzing in the ambience of the cozy dining area. Just as the mojito began to course full-on through my system, inducing extreme relaxation, a basket full of fried conch fritters that looked something like doughnut holes arrived and I was ready! The tasty little morsels came with a side of creamy yet spicy dipping sauce and I fully enjoyed every last bite. It was somewhere in the price range of $6-8 and completely worth it.

My next drink selection was a 'Coco Colada' which consisted of a Piña Colada with an extra infusion of coconut and I'm all about that! It came quickly in a very tall glass and I was again sipping my way to an increased state of tipsy. Soon, my Cuban Sandwich arrived for the next round of culinary enjoyment. If you aren't familiar with a Cuban Sandwich (as I was not), it consists of roast pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickles on Cuban bread (pan Cubano) which is something like french bread but a bit more flat, flaky and dense, making for a chewy sandwich. This was a filling sandwich and I savored every bite for quite some time. After finishing the sandwich and quite a few fries, the keen waitress asked if I wanted yet one more cocktail and of course, I did! The drink menu was extensive but I enjoyed the Coco Colada so much I ordered another. I sipped that to conclusion and left feeling quite 'rummy' and as relaxed as could be...now the remainder of my layover didn't seem so daunting.

The total bill came to about $50 which seems expensive but cocktails always drive up the tab. The appetizers and entrées range between $5-12 which is reasonable but once you start adding cocktails at around $6-8 on average, the bill reflects that as mine did. However, it was my last vacation splurge and worth every penny! If you're ever stuck in Miami International on a long layover, head to Concourse E and take a seat at Casa Bacardi. You'll definitely fly away satisfied (or at least be able to take a nice, solid nap in the terminal while waiting for your departure)!