Aspaclaria Judaica

They are not shy about saying they are the largest!

The motto is true, “bigger IS better” and what can be better than the “biggest” Judaica store in all of Florida? Well lots of things perhaps, but certainly not a smaller Judaica store. Located in North Miami, just south of the Aventura Mall, on Biscayne Boulevard, Aspaclaria is a ‘mecca’ for local Judaica shoppers. 

A “Jewish” home needs to be a Jewish home, and much in the same way you might go to Ikea or an antique store to get your couches, tables and beds, you need to go (if you are Jewish) to a Judaica store to get your spiritual furniture not just for your home, but for your “spiritual home” as well.

And this is just ONE section of books!

We are called the “people of the book” and just about every prayer book can be found here, and in several languages. Artscroll is the predominate source of literature, but there are many other publishers here as well. There are many books in Hebrew (as there should be) and a fair amount in Spanish as well. Native Spanish speakers will do well here with the bilingual staff; actually they speak Hebrew as well, so perhaps they are tri-lingual. I really do like that they can match the online prices from the Artscroll website. With my love of cooking I am instantly drawn to the many kosher cooking books available.

The large Judaica Selection

Their selection of Jewelry and ritual items is just as large. As you can see in the photo, they stock everything from Kiddush Cups to Candle Holders and beyond. Many of them are in sterling silver, or at least silver plated. These are gifts that you get for generations. They also have many affordable items for those just starting out. 

So for those who live here, and for those who visit, it’s far easier to purchase Judaica items when you actually see them as opposed to going online. Don’t worry Amazon.com I still love ya’.  You can find them at 17900 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura, FL 33160.

Schnitzel Haus

In the deep snow covered mountains of North Miami, there is a small German outpost that brings a culture from another continent to our fair metropolis. I would have never heard of such a place even though it seems like the restaurant and pils bar has been here since, well it’s certainly been here a long time.

So I am thinking that this will be Sausages and bratwurst and strudel, and indeed it is all that and a bit more. While Germany is known for its beer and the glorious consumption of it, its old world wines actually are some of the finest available. To my surprise the Schnitzel is not in any kind of sausage or sausage looking product, mine was simply breaded chicken and potatoes and a side sauce.

Though I will choose another product next time I come here, I would highly recommend trying out this very different food. One of our party did have the sausage type products and he seemed very happy.

The beers here seem incredible. Though beer was not invented in Germany, it might as well be. Actually, beer dates back some 5000+ years but never mind actual history. The Germans simply do beer right and I am sad to say, or perhaps happy to say that the rest of the world needs to follow them much more closely. The beer selection here is simply incredible and diverse. The wine selection comes in a close second. Though I am more a fan of Bordeaux I still would add a few of their bottles to my future wine cellar.

This German embassy is located on the 79^th street Causeway in North Miami.

 

The Age of Cheap Sushi…

So in a departure from the ordinary, I decided to talk a “long walk” and by long walk I simply mean a long walk, in this case according to our friends at google about 4.5 miles.  Now Broward can be a fun place at times, but it would be hard to find a place where you could still be urban and still be walking.

And that brings me to South Beach. South Beach is an ideal place to walk, and walk and walk. Oh, and watch all the other walkers and bikers and such. And that brings me to tourist central better known as Lincoln Road. Aside from the beach this is what South Beach is all about, exclusive dining, small boutique shops and people watching.

Naturally walking all around town one develops an appetite, but living the life of a poor but humble blogger, I decided to go off the beaten path (away from the tourists) and spend a little less for lunch.

All over South Florida the era of cheap sushi has arrived. Maybe it’s like the MacDonald’s of sushi but small little “hole in the wall’ places are seeming to pop up everywhere. And that’s a very good thing for those of us who are tight on our budgets or our time.

Less than a block south of Lincoln Road is a small sushi place whose name is perhaps Fuji Sushi. It’s not much on the eyes but it is good on taste. Very good in fact for its looks. For just a little more than $6 I have the plate here which is quite filling and as fresh as any higher end sushi place. There is a time for sushi socializing but my walk is calling me.

The next time you’re in South Beach just to be there and not for the party, stop in here and save the $$$ you would have spent so that next time you’ll have an even better time. Welcome to the age of cheap sushi!