Let's say you were
trying out falafel in Miami for the very first time, and wanted only to try the
very best. In this hypothetical contest, you have two options: Maoz Vegetarian,
which gets huge taste and flavor points for their zesty, perfectly peppery
falafel balls (slung out daily by the thousands factory-line style in their
South Beach restaurant), is a strong contender. But for truly beefy,
spicy, divinely crispy and fresh falafel, Miami
Squeeze gets the title for
top garbanzo bean fryer.
This hip roadside juice
bar creates stuffed, and I mean stuffed (like packed and
filled to every wheaty corner stuffed) falafel pitas that runneth over with
those delectable green balls + tomato salad, romaine lettuce and homemade
hummus.
Their unique location
along West Dixie Highway on the southern edge of Aventura has a pleasant open-air bar vibe, except it's fresh juices and blended smoothies flowing from the tap.
There is lemon and herb infused water placed around in pitchers for your
complimentary refreshment, and - no stinginess here!- their house made sauces
and dressings are served all-you-can-squeeze style in large condiment
bottles.
It's a good thing, because
their balsamic and tahini dressings are seriously creamy, delicious creations
and one small cup of each is not nearly enough.
The balsamic vinaigrette
is especially recommended - thick,smooth and tangy, it is a perfect complement
to the falafel, or with any of the other entrees for that matter. The
vegan-friendly menu features dozens of healthy wraps, sandwiches and platters,
from veggie burgers to a full-on vegetable platter. Plus their smoothie list
looks pretty fantastic - I want to take a whirl on the Blue Marlin Smoothie
next time I stop by.
But the real attraction here is that amazing falafel. If
there is better fried mashed chickpea ball in Miami-Dade County, I don't know
what it is. And frankly I don't want to know, because I've discovered Miami
Squeeze Juice Bar and it has my falafel-loving heart. You could say it's my
main squeeze.