There is no question that South Beach is the booming hub of Miami; it is, for all intents and purposes, THE scene in Florida. But, if you head north down Collins Avenue – a street that has such an intense energy, you question whether the action ever actually stops – a strange thing happens…The further north you travel down the strip, the more normal Miami becomes. What, moments ago, were short skirted women with breast implants and extensions are now denim wearing mothers with babes on their breasts and alternate children tugging their straggly hair. And once you pass the ubiquitous Fontainebleau, you've entered it: familiami.

Condo by Condo, you realize you've left party town and entered a semblance of domesticity. But what about family's who live on the beach, are they not allowed to eat? Must they travel to the sordid South Beach just to feed themselves without that archaic chore known as cooking? The answer my friends, now that Calafate Grill has opened its doors, is no. Stay in sunny isles, grab your kids, or, better yet, leave them at home and check out this new, family-owned tapas spot.

The décor of this Miami restaurant, with its eclectic mix of crimson leathers, zebra print fabrics, glass tables, ochre light fixtures and white accent walls, definitely leans toward a swanky South Beach aesthetic. While, the Spanish small plate menu has a unique melange of flavours equal to any modern menu on the Ocean Drive strip. Points of interest on the impressively extensive card include: baked Chilean sea bass with homemade Spanish sofrito, lemon, and white wine; grilled lamb chop in sizzling homemade grape sauce; empanada stuffed with bonito fish; grilled tenderloin served with homemade leek marmalade; and Homemade spinach and ricotta cheese filled ravioli breaded, fried and served with marinara sauce. While the menu is definitely contemporary, the prices at the grill are reflective of the days when dining out was actually affordable. Calafate even offers $3 tapas, beer, and sangria from 4:30pm – 6:30pm Tuesday through Sunday.

There is something to be said for a Miami dining experience that doesn't encourage you to get implants before you head out for the evening, nor does it fill you with the dread of having to mortgage your house. That said, dining during Calafate Grill's happy hour might actually help you build your booby fund – it is Miami after all. – E.H