TASTE 2024 miaminewtimes.com 4 A Wednesday at 3:15 p.m.: Children flock to the cashier sta- tion of a charming, wooden fruit stand along Red Road in Pinecrest. An 8-year-old boy in his school uniform orders two small cookies-and-cream shakes made with yogurt and a small cherry snow cone. The child picks up a pen and quickly scribbles an illeg- ible signature onto a notecard, then scurries off to the side of the cashier’s table with his siblings as if he’s stolen some- thing. On the contrary, the kid has just paid for the beverages on his family’s account, one that’s been active for more than years, thanks to this notecard. No, it’s not 1985. It’s 2024. At Pinecrest Wayside Market — or, as locals call it, “Wayside” — there are no QR codes or discount codes. There are no gift cards or BOGO deals. Here, it’s as old school as it gets in a city that couldn’t be more the opposite. Wayside sources novelty ice creams from across the nation and produce from local farmers, gives local brands a chance to sell their baked goods at the cashier’s table, slings cookies-and-cream shakes (not to mention fresh green juices), and maintains its customers’ tabs on notecards. That it persists in doing so as the current century nears the one- quarter mark is thanks to Miami native Eli Tako. A University of Miami grad, he bought the market, which originally opened in 1948, when its second owners listed it for sale in 2022. “I used to go to the mar- ket when I went to Gulliver Academy when I was a little kid,” Tako explains. TASTE 2023 miaminewtimes.com 4 Pinecrest Wayside Market is the time machine Miami needs. BY NICOLE LOPEZ-ALVAR Wayside Story “STICK A FORK IN ME” G rowing up in Chicago, Rachel Samson picked up a passion for travel via family trips across the United States. After col- lege in Boston, she spent time in the NYC area be- fore settling in Miami for a career in construction management. The transition to influencer market- ing felt natural after years of being the one who gave out travel tips and restaurant recommenda- tions. Add her dedication to taking the perfect photo, and @StickAForkInMe was born. Having amassed more than 2 million followers across so- cial channels, Rachel looks forward to whatever comes next in today’s evolving marketing world. Mary’s Coin Laundry (Mary’s Cafe) (2542 SW 27th Ave., Miami): Literally a laundromat with a window where you can buy Cuban sand- wiches and treats at a reasonable cost. While it seems like a fun novelty, the sandwiches are authentic and absolutely delicious. Jaguar Sun (230 NE Fourth St., Miami): I’ve dropped by for a drink here many a time, but only last week did I have a chance to sit down for a full meal. I’ve been hearing about the pillowy Parker House rolls and fresh pasta for years, and they did not disappoint. Dumpling King (237 NE 167th St., North Mi- ami Beach; and 2064 N. University Dr., Pembroke Pines): They nail the soup dumplings time and time again to make the drive worthwhile. Tasty, affordable food and a no-frills atmosphere that’s great for a group. Dos Croquetas (1555 SW Eighth St., Mi- ami; 10505 SW 40th St., Miami; and 7287 NW 78th Terr., Medley): They might be known for their croquetas, but I re- cently tried the desserts and have been craving their cookie-butter milkshake ever since. I’m a fan of the dessert croquetas as well. Old Greg’s Pizza (3620 NE Second Ave., Miami): They’re no longer hidden. But they are lovingly run by the owners, who put exceptional care into procuring fresh local ingredients and introducing new menu items weekly. Michael’s Genuine (130 NE 40th St., Miami): A long-standing go-to, but the menu is still rota- tional, seasonal, and local. The outdoor court- yard and occasional live music make for a perfect Design District shopping break. Crust (668 NW Fifth St., Miami): Serving up Italian comfort food with a swanky vibe on the Miami River. Portions are huge, and they’ve never disappointed my cravings. Spotlight on the chicken parm and garlic knots. HIDDEN GEMS Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar Eli Tako tends to customers at Pinecrest Wayside Market. StickAForkInMe StickAForkInMe Rachel Samson >> p8
