La Camaronera
If you love seafood, don't mind standing up to eat it, and love extravaganza, La Camaronera is the place to go. Located right off downtown Miami, it is not hard to find. It may not be easy to imagine yet, but once you've tried it you will be hooked forever. Amazing by its extremes: no waiters, no menus, no wine, not even a chair to sit on; La Camaronera is a diamond in the rough. A colossal crowd at its bar tells you something is cooking, and it is! Hundreds of fresh fish are submerged daily in the huge deep fryers that stand right before your eyes. You witness the whole process. You see the guy that takes your order bend down to drag a fish by the tail from the bottom of the bar where you're standing and immerse it in the seething oil while shaking it again and again. Simultaneously, he runs to get you your drinks and the buñuelitos de frijol that will accompany the fish. Minutes later, the fish lands on your plate, crispy and juicy in its exquisite taste. The meat is thick and glorious-tasting; you just can't wait for it to cool down. And for the sandwich lovers, a fish sandwich is just another splendid choice at La Camaronera. Once again, the cook pulls a thick raw fillet from the bin and delicately batters and seasons it to your taste. Then, with the tongs, he flips it into the fryer for a few minutes. The outcome is a juicy, mouth-watering fish wedged between two slices of warm bread. The first bite fills you with ecstasy. It is dense, rich, salty, and lacks any distraction that may pull you away from the experience. It is pristine, natural, and works well on its own. Craving shrimp? La Camaronera's shrimp are some of the best in town. Slightly crunchy but all shrimp, these treats don't have a deceiving inch-thick layer of batter. They are large, plump and juicy. Among the tangy taste, a hint of sweetness graces your palette. To balance the exotic flavors of these treasures of the sea, are earthy side dishes. My favorite of these are the tostones. Made from scratch with fresh green plantains, they are sliced thinly and tossed into the fryer. In about two minutes they honor your plate, lightly salted and ready to crunch a party into life. Over all, La Camaronera is a one-of-a-kind experience that non chauvinists will enjoy to the fullest extent.
