I’ve been eating pretty healthy lately….not that I wasn’t before – just, healthier. My workout regimes are changing, some exercises easy, others that need some hard rock to pull me through – it’s a process…but the end result is always worth it.

So this weekend I figured I’d treat myself. To some indulgence food…sort of. After about 3 weeks of mostly eating plant based protein – I figure it’s time for a little reward.

…and what better place to reward myself than at Sumi Yakitori in Brickell. This place…..hm….how to explain it – this place reminds me so much of Japan. Mostly because of the aesthetics – also because of the casual, warm atmosphere.

What separates this place from all the rest? The food is amazing. The whisky (yes, they have whisky – Japanese whisky to be more specific – vodka too) is choice, and the fact that they use binchotan – white charcoal, straight out of Japan – for all their grilling, allows them to create a taste that can’t be replicated anywhere else unless you visit J-Land yourself.

The real deal. Right here. In Miami.

Be sure to make a reservation – then plant yourself at the bar, order a bottle, and prepare to enjoy all the grilled delights you can eat until the wee hours of the morning. In true Japanese fashion – this is Sumi Yakitori.

Alright – so I’ll admit, ever since enjoying massive pints in England I’ve developed a soft spot for alcohol on tap…now imagine you’re a wine lover. Imagining? Good…now imagine wine….on tap.

That’s right, Timone’s Pizza brings wine lovers everywhere their favorite fermented grapes to them in a way so unusual but so brilliant it’s a wonder why everyone doesn’t think that way.

Combined with a kick-ass menu and comfy leather seating, this place is great for hanging out with friends or a super casual date spot.

Start with some marinated olives and a carafe of Pinot Grigio while engaging in simple but deep conversation, as you wait on your main entree of pizza made with Cherry & Heirloom Tomatoes, Arugula Pesto, Mozzarella, and a generous amount of goat cheese. If you’re not into pizza take a crack at their Riverview Farms Polenta – heavily laden with red sauce and mascarpone….gotta love mascarpone.

From here make sure the last time you ate was 3 hours ago – wouldn’t want to spring a cramp or worse – get seasick. Why….? Well, what better way to close off (or extend) a weekend by taking the initiative to learn about boats – more specifically how to drive – erm, sail them, I should say.

Leave the beer bottles and cocktails at the door for this one, because here comes some serious training. I remember when I was a kid – I always wanted to learn how to sail/navigate a boat. Then finally, at the age of 7, I got my first chance to take the captain’s wheel and steer one through a canal. The seas were as calm as the weather – but being that age it was still a massive thrill for me. Years later and I still remember my very first time behind the wheel like it was yesterday.

The Maryland School of Sailing & Seamanship offers a variety of courses – from a four day, live-on boat novice education, to a full on, week long advanced training experience. So if you’re new to the boating world grab yourself the easiest course first – but if you’re more seasoned give yourself a challenge. For those in between – they have something for you too.

Welcome to the big dog’s playground.

Now you’ll finally have an excuse to break out those white chinos and that captain’s jacket.

😉

– Rego

For The Weekenders: Yakitori, Wine on Tap, Life on a Boat is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life