By Ima Foudé

We live in Florida, and the best way to enjoy the Florida winter is to eat outside, so grab yourself a seat at one of the many outdoor cafes on Lincoln Road.

But during January 16-19, the best reason to eat outside is to enjoy the Comedy at the Euclid Oval, sponsored by the South Beach Comedy Festival.

Free, with two shows nightly (Wednesday at 9 p.m. only), five up-and-coming national funny guys and gals will perform. Seating is limited, so get to the Lincoln Road Stage early and have a laugh.

Surrounding the Oval is Nexxt Cafe, Sushi Siam and Parmalot, all great places to catch the show, but these seats go fast. At the Oval, seats will be set up. And you can always spread out a blanket or a tablecloth, bring your own treats and eat al fresco directly on the Oval. If you opt to picnic, there are some great options to dine at your own pace, eating the food you make or bring.

I’m going to share the places I like, both those in walking distance and those places not directly on Lincoln Road, which feature food that is easy to eat without a table.

What is Easy:
Miami Beach is home to three grocery stores, and depending on your budget and eating preferences, one of them is your answer. There’s Publix, and this Publix is fabulous. The fruits and veggies are fresh, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, picnic prepared foods and sushi are acceptable—you really can’t go wrong. There is also Epicure, Miami Beach’s own gourmet shop, which is equipped with a wide variety of well-prepared food, a comprehensive and very inspiring cheese selection, an interesting selection of wine, and the bakery—totally delish. And of course, there’s Wild Oats, a one stop shop for what is natural and/or organic—there’s soup, salad, sandwiches, prepared hot foods, olives, spreads, cheeses, sweets, etc.

A Few Fun Places I love to Frequent, right off the Road:
Pizza at Piola Pizzeria—it’s thin, crispy and they serve the traditional soft Brazilian cheese, catupiry, making this pizza, in my mind, a reason to go.  Their sister shop one shop down from Piola, is a European-style sandwich shop that uses fresh, crunchy, and chewy bread to hold their fillings of meat and vegetables. The prices at both shops are easy to handle.

Down the block, there’s Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Miami Beach’s quick, easy and tasty answer to ubiquitous Mexican food. Lime is nothing fancy, but they’ve got great tasty chips and salsa options, and the non-challenging Tex-Mex food served here is not greasy, with generous portions of fresh meat, fruit and veggies.

Before you get to the Road, stop here:
Stone Crabs at Joe’s Take Away, it’s is such a treat, available only at this time of year. There’s no wait, and no extra cash beyond what is printed on the bill.

Le Sandwicherie, in my opinion, makes the best sandwiches on Miami Beach. I’m not sure why they are so fabulous, except to say the bread is chewy and can hold its own when filled with sumptuous meat, veggies and fish—even the tuna salad is exceptional. The sandwiches are made right then and there, in front of you.

Pizza Rustica: I know, there is one on Lincoln Road, but the original at 8th and Washington, I feel is better. I think what turns me off from the location right on the Road is the smell that welcomes you—it’s not pizza, but cleaning fluid—it hits you square in the face.

Casola’s, for a wedge of pizza is really two pieces or for a sandwich that is so stuffed with stuff that it can feed two people, no problem.

For the snacker in you, check out the extraordinary cheese selection and mind-boggling wine offerings, at the unlikeliest of places, a Citgo Gas Station.

Whether you choose to picnic at the Comedy Festival, think about packing up your sundries and head to a park, a boat, or even your porch.

If You Go...
Casola’s: 17th Avenue and US1.  Next door is the Citgo Station, housing a most impressive wine and cheese selection.

Epicure Market: 1656 Alton Rd, Miami Beach

Joe’s Stone Crabs: 11 Washington Ave, Miami Beach

Le Sandwicherie: 14th Street, off Collins, between Collins and Washington Ave, across from the pool hall.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill: 1439 Alton Rd, Miami Beach 

Piola Pizzeria: 1625 Alton Rd, Miami Beach

Pizza Rustica: 863 Washington Ave, Miami Beach

Publix/Sunset Harbor:1045 Dade Blvd, Miami Beach

Wild Oats: 1020 Alton Rd, Miami Beach