FOOD: Ginger Bay Cafe [Miami]

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Hollywood, FL is a South Florida staple. Ginger Bay Cafe is a taste of the Caribbean and has been the go to spot for food, live music and good times for over ten years. Sharon and Jimmie Banks, who formerly operated a similar restaurant called the Hibiscus Cafe in the trendy Georgetown district of Washington, D.C., was attracted to downtown Hollywood because of its small village atmosphere and central location between Miami and West Palm Beach. The menu devised by Sharon Banks includes many dishes with her signature sauces. Among the entrees are Salmon St. Marten, Sharon B's Bouillabaisse, Rotisserie Jerk and Seafood Calypso. The venue also has a variety of signature drinks. I tried "The Ginger Bay" which is a delicious mix of Malibu, Bacardi, Ginger liqueur, mango juice and pineapple juice. The sweet and tangy drink epitomizes Ginger Bay with its exotic flavors and spicy addition with the ginger liqueur.

Ginger Bay Cafe is also known for its live music through out the week. On this particular Sunday night, a band featuring an eccentric lead singer, is banging out tunes from the 70's. Patrons sit at handcrafted tables and chairs, or they're lounging at the 30-foot-long bar, which has a top made of imported mosaic tiles that are arranged to depict a tropical jungle.

The entire atmosphere of Ginger Bay Cafe is very easy and laid back. This vibes definitely match the cool breezes carried from the coastline which is just a few short miles away.

Ginger Bay Cafe is located at 1908 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, Florida 33020.