MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Deco Drive’s Alex Miranda joined Good Morning America’s Sam Champion to discuss South Florida’s dynamic food scene and give food lovers the ultimate guide to the best eats as the ABC Miami celebrations continue.
Miranda and Champion broadcasted from the Loews Miami Beach Hotel where Champion looked back at his week so far in South Florida.
“It’s been amazing and I think we’re the perfect team. You guys do local news so well and by the way, I grew up watching Deco Drive,” said Champion.
The newscasters were joined by local educators ahead of the new school year.
“Gabriela, Joan, Jessica, Laura, Khalid, are you here?” said Champion.
The educators received a generous gift from Norwegian Cruise Line: free cruises to their private island in the Bahamas.
Miranda also gave the insider’s scoop on where to dine in Miami, even sharing some of his favorites spots.
He highlighted “Mary’s Cafe & Coin Laundry” near Coconut Grove, a 24-hour coin laundry and go-to spot for some Cuban classic treats.
“Pitbull says this is the real Miami,” said Miranda.
Miranda also took viewers to the former Versace Mansion, “Villa Casa Casuarina,” in the heart of South Beach.
“[This] is a 13-suite boutique hotel right on Ocean Drive,” he said.
And for those with a sweet tooth, Miranda highlighted “Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant” in Dania Beach.
“You can order seven pounds of ice cream with a jumbo spoon to match,” he said.
To top it off, Miranda took viewers to “Mai-Kai Restaurant & Polynesian Show” in Oakland Park.
“Almost 70 years old where you can immerse yourself in nightly authentic, traditional Polynesian shows,” said Miranda.
While the food fusions are a good touch, South Florida wouldn’t be the same without this secret ingredient: the people, who offer a rich cultural experience like no other.
“In Miami, it’s where the good amazing people are that we have behind us here. I mean we interview celebrities on Deco Drive which airs on ABC Miami; just south of West Palm [Beach] all the way down to Key West but, there’s so many amazing people in between and stories that we tell there. So wherever they are that’s what I love,” said Miranda.
“I agree with you. You and I both know it’s the people that make South Florida the best,” said Champion.
Viewers can expect more surprises Friday as 7News continue to celebrate our new partnership with ABC.
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