Quick Bites for December

An Oyster by Any Other Name

Gringo’s Oyster Bar is famous for its raw oysters, flown in from New England and West Coast oyster beds. Few places match its happy hour deals for the raw mollusks. Every so often, however, we like to try the fried variety, which is also more palatable for those averse to raw fish. And theirs are darn tasty, especially with a nice remoulade sauce. $14.50 as an appetizer or in a po’boy sandwich. 1549 Sunset Dr. 305.284.9989

And You Can Grab a Book, Too

The Books & Books shop on Aragon may not strike you as a go-to place to dine, but its café is among the most charming spots for a light meal – plus, now that the weather is nice, you can sit outside in the courtyard. Their Avocado Greek salad, adding lots of that superfood to the feta, olives, cucumber, tomato, and red onion is a good place to start ($15) and with grilled shrimp added on ($8) it’s a hearty, healthy meal. 265 Aragon Ave. 305.448.9599

Pork Royalty

A Caja China is something anyone familiar with traditional Cuban food knows about. It’s a box used to slow-cook a whole pig for hours, until the skin is crisp and the meat tender and juicy. Now, Jorgie Ramos, the chef at rooftop restaurant Cebada, is bringing out the family Caja on the first Wednesday of each month. Jorgie, aka “Miami’s Prince of Pork,” will offer specials that include Caja China lechon with harina, pan con lechon, and more. Open for dinner Tues. through Sun. starting at 5 pm. 124 Giralda Ave. 786.409.2287

From Down Under

Threefold Café, the eatery that brought all-day breakfasts to Giralda Plaza, is now serving dinner Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 5 pm. The expanded menu will include dishes like Frenched pork chop, osso bucco, and cabbage steak. Most intriguing is the whole leg of lamb. At $135 for six pounds, it will serve a minimum of four (and surely six) people. You’ll just need to order it 45 minutes ahead of time. The lamb is, of course, grass-fed from Australia, the home of proprietor Nick Sharp. 141 Giralda Ave. 305.704.8007

Best Bargain in Town

Just when you thought inflation had driven all restaurant prices sky-high, La Casita holds firm with affordable – and delicious – Cuban food. That includes such classics as masas de cerdo (deep-fried pork chunks) and vaca frita (skillet-fried beef slices), both for just $10.95, and both including two sides (black beans & rice, yucca, plantains, moros, etc.). Plus, it’s a warm and comfortable family-run place. 3805 SW 8th St. 305.448.8224