This Friday, I take off to two of the biggest foodie zip codes in the US (Napa and Portland, woohoo) and it got me thinking about what qualifies, in my mind at least, a place as a “foodie” city. Immediately New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Chicago all spring to mind with tons of dining options that for me must cover the gamut from the ethnic joints serving up spicy-as-hell curry to fine dining and my steak tartar and oysters, or a perfectly shaken vodkatini.

I keep hearing from all my friends about Miami. Miami, Miami, Miami. Really guys? A foodie destination outside of the South Beach festival? I am open to the idea but, well, my last experience there (positioned after a blockbuster eating trip to Paris before returning to Santiago, I’ll come clean) was fairly lackluster on the food front, save a Cuban sandwich–or five.

Living in Latin America, I came to Miami with great expectations of finding a pulsating Cuban community sashaying to salsa in the streets. I dreamt of  tucking into Haitian conch or slow-cooked goat; slapping down some grilled rockfish from the keys on a breezy terrace with killer service; Sipping perfectly minty Mojitos with hopefully a Don Juan look-like across the bar (ok, I was with my Mom and engaged…). I did find the scene at the Delano and the creative cuisine at Norman’s (as in Chef Norman Van Akens inspiring) but the local (ethnic and cool) vibe I crave didn’t happen. What did I miss? Damn.

My buddy Grace Della, IT genius by day and foodie by night/weekend, has finally decided to give her passion a full time GO. She intrepidly launched Miami Culinary Tours. What I would not have given to have her when I was there and reduce Little Havana to the quintessential spots; or the hippest drinks and best chefs—without thinking about all the research involved (take me there my dear). Well, she’s got the goods. So all of you who are Miami bound and SoBe lovers, check her out. I got the low down on her innovative tours and why Miami merits some space on the US foodie radar. Eat your hearts out.

Tell us about the food tours you offer in Miami. What sparked the idea?

We offer two signature Miami food tours: Cuba Bonita and South Beach Walking. There are wonderful stories behind every stop (and bite). Nobody in Miami was bringing people closer to these cooks so I decided to embark into a new way of showing the city’s best (off the radar) places from five-star gourmet to hole-in-the-wall delicious.

You’re originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina but have lived in the US for many years, an expat like myself in Chile. What kinds of challenges have you faced in building this business as a foreigner in the States?

For the last past 5 years I have been promoting my mother’s cooking classes and Culinary tours in Argentina so when I decided to bring the same idea to Miami it all was very familiar to me. The biggest challenge was truly finding the time while working full time.

Miami is often regarded as “little” Latin America in the US? What Latin cultures are predominant? How do they enjoy themselves?

The Cuban culture is the predominant Latin culture in Miami. There are also tons of people (immigrants and non-residents) from all over Central, South America, and the Caribbean. Miami is a total (pulsating) melting pot. We all bring the best of what our own native countries have to offer from food to leisure activities: empanadas, wine, mojitos, salsa, ropa vieja, conch, arepas, soccer (and more soccer).

Would you characterize Miami as a foodie city like New Orleans, Portland, or Chicago? Why?

Miami has some of the best and most talented chefs opening restaurants all over town. The tropical weather delivers the most exotic produce in the States like mamey, mango, guarapo, guava, passion fruit in addition to all the luscious seafood from the Gulf and Atlantic from wild shrimp to grouper. Foodies can most definitely dive into experiencing unusual flavors with a flair, that are not widely accepted in other parts of the country and may seem out of place in say, Napa.

What are the people like who most take your tours? Describe them.

Participants wanting to learn about different cultures by tasting traditional cuisine will adore the Cuba Bonita Food Tour, which delves into classic Cuban fare in the heart of the most traditional neighborhood. For those hard-core foodies, the South Beach Walking Food Tour will sample sophisticated bites behind chef-inspired menus, all while visiting some of the most iconic Art Deco buildings.

Sum up Miami’s culinary offerings for us? Why should foodies put Miami on their radar?

Nowhere else in the United States you will find the fruits and vegetables (rare and exclusive) like you have from Miami’s surrounding tropical farms. The restaurants showcase this local slant in a unique culinary expression and experience. It has become a playground for chefs and cooks; certainly there is a strong rooting in Southern things combined with the colorful Latin cultures. Miami is truly a Mecca for those gourmands looking to get out of the box.

What are your favorite spots? Where would you take your family and friends for a fantastic meal and cocktails after?

I recently discovered a local hang out, Buena Vista Bistro, and cannot stop craving their tuna tartar. The fabulous French bakery next door is addictive. El Exquisito restaurant in Little Havana has the best masitas in town. The food is combined with passionate owners who will take the time to explain their delicious creations (always adding more sabor). Another I adore, out of the Latin beat, is Jerusalem for Lebanese cuisine which imports the most amazing olive oil from the middle east. I am taking my parents there next week when they visit.

So where do we sign up? Yum.

Thanks to Rodrigo Ruiz for the pics from the Cuba Bonita street tour. In descending order, cuban sandwich; joint with map of the Vieja Patria; and the art of rolling fine cigars.