Fine Dining. Salsa Lessons. Sizzling Performances. Just a sampling to satiate your evening’s thirst for unabashed partying.
In part one of my two-part series featuring the South Beach staple, opened in 1991 by David Wallack, Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach is unlike any other dinner and dancing venue I’ve experienced. Hands down!
On a recent family trip to Florida, I was determined to find a new hotspot that was both economical and offered a unique culinary experience, as well as provide thrilling recreational activities. I stumbled upon Mango’s Tropical Cafe, located in the heart of South Beach on Ocean Drive. Granted, South Beach has been known in recent years to be an over-the-top, overpriced destination exuding Euro-cheesiness and opulent flamboyance. I’m from New York and jaded, and I’ve had these same thoughts. But boy, were my preconceived notions debunked, and I ended up having an exhilarating night to remember!
Outside Mango’s, exotic birds perched on the trainer/photographer’s arms, which mimicked his voice and belted tunes, while possibly sipping on alcohol-infused cocktails (the trainer wouldn’t confirm or deny). These were some talented fowls. Once we stepped inside, my eyes were drawn to the stage, where bustling bartenders served Mango’s refreshing signature libations, like Cuban Coffee Martini and Coco “Nuts” For You. On the ground floor, tables were draped with crisp white tablecloths, and stainless steel spiral staircases led to balconies filled with colorful artwork from Caribbean artists.
It was like a theater-style ambiance reminiscent of Miami nightlife from the 1970s and 1980s, where dressing up and going out was a way of life, not a transient fad.
Our table was right in the center of the action. I was unsettled and excited at the same time. We started our meal with flavorful grilled steak quesadillas, Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna tartare on a bed of fresh mango and avocado accompanied with wonton chips, and succulent fall–off–the–bone Caribbean Jerk ribs — perfect appetizers (comes as an entree, too!) to whet your appetite for the main courses.
I’ll delve more into the menu offerings and customized drinks from Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach in my next feature. You don’t want to miss part two of my series and exclusive interview with Executive Chef, Byron Rubio!
As we enjoyed our meal and eagerly anticipated the live show, we were escorted upstairs to Mango’s nightly Sip, Savor, and Salsa lessons lounge, where you can go solo or as part of a bachelorette or birthday outing, beginning at 7:30 pm. Here, you’re greeted by seasoned dance instructors who show you the fundamental steps of Salsa and Bachata, dances popularized in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. The instructors teach you the steps, you practice, they add music, and motivate you to become a dancing queen or king! The dance lessons include a mojito and delectable bites, such as tostones and chicken and cheese empanadas, but the kitchen’s menu rotates regularly. It was a fun-filled adventure, complete with missteps and hilarity, enjoyed by a friendly group of bridesmaids and those celebrating their anniversaries.
After catching our breath from salsa-ing and bachata-ing, we joined patrons for a live show that didn’t disappoint. The performers came out in show-stopping, elaborate costumes with dance moves that’d put any Broadway performer to shame. The performers interacted with the crowd, not only asking them to sing along but also to dance to classic salsa and merengue songs, as well as electrifying soca and American favorites. At the performer’s insistence, patrons began singing and dancing, with light strobes moving throughout the restaurant (me included).
Mango’s South Beach is a dinner and show extravaganza for anyone looking to drink, dine, and dance the night away, all under one roof! The party keeps going into the wee hours, but I needed to get some beauty sleep for sightseeing the next day. You’d be remiss to pass this superb nightly show and nightclub experience. To find out more about Mango’s Tropical Cafe South Beach entertainment offerings and to book an event, click here. They also have a location in Orlando, too!
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Finally traveling to my dream destination has been one of the highlights of my life these past few years. Behold Thailand; 20 hours of travel time; one boyfriend with a fear of flying, and few time zones later, I made it there. Precisely, during Southeast Asia’s rainy season, we arrived to our hotel in Bangkok, our first stop in our tour of the country. Thailand is like Miami in that there will be short bouts of massive downpours throughout the day and then a blazing sun infiltrates the sky like clockwork shortly after.
On the return trip home – everything changed. With the 4 security checkpoints in Dubai’s airport, I took off my shoes twice, they scanned me for weapons and metals at least three different instances and they checked the photos on my Cannon camera. Odd! All this securing made the plan late by 3 hours. Where was my pleasant flight experience? What happened to me feeling like a coddled toddler? Sitting on the aisle, I was constantly woken up by the abrupt stewardesses bumping my arms or legs as they hastily tended to passengers. Instead of 12 hours to JFK the flight was close to 15 – big difference! Although my boyfriend and I kept getting up every few hours to stretch and stimulate circulation in our limbs, when we got home, we both noticed are ankles were so swollen they had become cankles. Mine were bruised. I was shocked. Where did these old lady legs come from? I had to take a sleeping pill to forget about the situation and woke up the next day at 4:15pm. One week later and I’m still feeling the effects of the trip. I sleep two to three hours max a night and feel drowsy around 3pm daily. What fresh Hell is this? I was only gone for 10 days. How long will it take to adjust to New York time? This is some severe jet lag, man!
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