TASTE 2024 miaminewtimes.com 14 TASTE 2024 miaminewtimes.com 14 I n much the same way as a lighthouse beckons ships in the night, the beaming, weathered sign of the Cap- tain’s Tavern in Pinecrest wel- comes diners from far and wide in search of friendly service, a cozy atmosphere, and very, very fresh seafood. In 1971, Bill “The Captain” Bowers opened the doors of his sea- food restaurant in the boondocks of southwest Miami- Dade. Bowers had a vision beyond the boondocks, and the area evolved into what is now Pinecrest, where the Captain’s Tavern remains an institution for locals and tourists alike. When Bowers died in 2020 at the age of 91, his wife, Audrey Palomino Bowers, and their son, Dale Palomino, who has worked at the Captain’s Tavern since he was 16 years old and now serves as head chef, took over. So it has remained a family af- fair, and the patriarch’s presence remains very much in evidence. “He helped a lot of people,” Palomino says of his late father. “He always looked out for the people who worked for him and took care of anyone who was down on their luck — people don’t forget that.” To say Bowers was beloved in the community is an understatement. Whether you are seated at a table in the dining room or bellied up to the bar, you’ll be hard-pressed not to overhear a loyal patron excitedly guiding a first-timer through the menu, recommending their favorite dishes or sharing an affectionate anecdote about “The Captain.” In addition to building loyal relationships with his customers and staff, Bowers built trusted business partnerships with seafood suppliers around the world, allowing him to offer fresh, abundant seafood to his clientele at fair, affordable prices. Likewise, the restaurant’s vast and varied wine list is a testa- ment to the many close, personal relationships Bowers and his wife built over the years with winemakers from California, Australia, and Europe. Don’t be fooled by the kitsch: The Cap- tain’s Tavern boasts an impres- sive wine selection, one that won so many “Best of Miami” awards for “Best Wine List” over the decades that New Times finally had to cut ‘em off and recognize some other places. Photo by the Miami Epicurean The Captain's Tavern has served the freshest of fresh seafood since 1976. Steady as She Goes The best feeling is to see kids who grew up eating here bring their own kids in to eat. “IVIE THE FOODIE” I vette Lopez is a Miami local who loves to turn people on to new restaurants and things to do in South Florida and beyond. In 2021, after con- stantly posting about restaurants on her personal Instagram, she decided it was time to make a ded- icated foodie page and @IvieTheFoodie was born. She says narrowing down a list of hidden gems was a challenge because there are so many candi- dates. We persuaded her to narrow it down to six she’s “currently obsessed with.” Mamma Dora’s Pizzeria (8016 SW 81st Dr., Miami): Good Detroit-style pizza is hard to come by in Miami, but Mamma Dora’s is changing that. Their pies are huge and well- priced. And you have to try their freshly baked cookies! Subby’s (7370 SW 57th Ave., Miami): I’ve always been pro-Pub Subs, but Subby’s changed that for me. Their Wagyu chopped cheese with Josh’s Pre- mium Meats is off the chain. Sushi2mee (11865 SW 26th St., c26, Miami): This spot will forever be special to me because I had my first date with my boyfriend here. It’s a little hole in the wall, but the service, sushi, and prices are always on point. Vegan Cuban Cuisine (9640 SW 72nd St, Miami): I love how they did the unthinkable and made vegan Cuban food. As a Cuban Ameri- can, I can confirm the food from here tastes just like how my abuelita makes it at home. Milky Ways Cereal Bar(17013 S. Dixie Hwy., Palmetto Bay): Here you can turn any cereal into a soft-serve or milkshake. I always get their “305 Shake,” made with coffee and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or anything with their s’mores cereal. Good Chef (113 SW 107th Ave., Miami; and 11459 SW 40th St., Miami): My go-to spot when I’m craving Asian food like honey-garlic chicken or udon noodles. I love how cozy both of their locations are. HIDDEN GEMS IvieTheFoodie IvieTheFoodie Ivette Lopez After 52 years, the Captain’s Tavern in Pinecrest remains a family affair. BY THERESA KURTZ >> p16
