Giving Thanks, Miami Style

It is the season for giving thanks and just the fact that we live in the paradise that is South Florida should be at the top of our lists for things that we are indeed, thankful for. From gorgeous, year-round weather to breathtaking scenery right outside our doors and the best in food, arts and entertainment for every style and taste, Miami is filled with people, places and events that fill us with gratitude. As you and your family prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, or just a way to spend the long weekend, here are a few of Miami’s best Thanksgiving offerings.

For most people, when they hear Thanksgiving, they think of the meal. As Miami is stacked with impressive restaurants, and sometimes it seems nice to let someone else do the cooking, here are a few of the restaurants offering their take on the most indulgent meal of the year.

AQ Chop House by II Mulino at Acqualina ResortSunny Isles Beach

For a traditional Thanksgiving meal served in a luxurious, beachfront setting, AQ Chop House in the Acqualina Resort & Spa is serving dinner on Thanksgiving Day from 4 to 11pm. Complete with everything you would expect, the organic roast turkey has all the decadent sides, finished with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake.

Toro Toro100 Chopin Plaza, Miami

Looking for a way to show thanks to all the special people in your life who may not be family by blood? Toro Toro is offering their Friendsgiving menu throughout the month of November for parties of 14 or more. On Thanksgiving Day. they will offer a buffet with everything from a carving table and fresh seafood to charcuterie, salads, and more. The impressive dessert table rounds out the meal, which will be served from 11am to 8pm.

Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge422 North River Drive, Miami

For something a bit more decadent, Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge is serving Thanksgiving dinner overlooking the Miami River with slow-cooked organic turkey, maple sweet potato mash, foie gras stuffing and country pate with pickled breakfast radish. Dessert comes in the form of bourbon butterscotch pot de creme with marscapone creme. Yes, please!

And while the dinner may be the star of the show, there are plenty of activities happening around town to help you work off that meal or just enjoy some time out with the family. Here are a couple of our favorites.

The Baptist Health Turkey Trot kicks off Thanksgiving Day with a 5K, 10K and kid’s race that has been a favorite event around town for several years and 2019 is no exception. Check out turkeytrotmiami.com for registration and more info.

Racing not your style? How about a stroll down famed Lincoln Road or on the beautiful sands of one of Miami’s world-famous beaches? Wanna take the kids out to play? The hills and interactive water fountains of South Pointe Park make a great mid-day escape that locals love. For a little pre-turkey day event that will make lasting memories, visit Jungle Islands’s Luminosa Festival of Lights, a nighttime lantern festival with more than 13 acres of gorgeous silk lanterns. This unique event is a must-see and ranks right up there with our favorite holiday events. And of course, for the shopaholics, bargain seekers or just adventurous among us, Black Friday starts bright and early on November 29th with every Miami neighborhood and shopping center offering deals and holiday delights.

Finally, on the top of things that I am grateful for this year are the friends, family, colleagues, clients and readers of the blog. Thank you for working with me, supporting me and following along as we celebrate the season and all things Miami throughout the year.

About the Author
For Raymond Goirigolzarri, real estate is more than just a business, it is an inspiration. “Building a business that helps people achieve their dreams is so satisfying and rewarding,” says Raymond. “To many families, including my own, real estate promotes positive growth and human development. Whether they are seeking to find the home where they will raise a family, a vacation property in which to make special memories or make positive investments that will raise their quality of life, real estate is much more than just a transaction to many people and I am proud to play a part in that for my clients.”