Cafe Fleur - Café & Beignet — Restaurant in Miami Beach

A New Year, A New Path

I started 2025 with two things in mind. First, to reinvent myself—to take a leap into a new vocational adventure, finally starting my own business. I’ve seen so many others walk this path, chasing freedom and passion, and now it’s my turn. More on that later. Second, to begin writing.

Full disclosure: I’m a terrible writer. A grammatical mess. A spelling disaster. But here I am.

2/22/25—seems as good a place as any to start. Back in South Beach, Miami, five years after the world got turned upside down. Things seem back to normal, but not really. The energy is different. The party scene lingers in the background, a mere echo of what it once was. For us millennials, it’s nostalgia. And yet, I’m not sure that’s a bad thing.

I felt the same way just two months ago in Manila, Philippines, a place I hadn’t set foot in for a decade. At first glance, it was unchanged, as if the world’s five-year pause never happened. But beneath the surface, everything had changed. Culture had shifted. The bars and discos of my youth had been replaced by an endless stream of coffee shops. The younger generation still puts themselves on display—just as we did two decades ago—but now, instead of dancing the night away, they’re sipping espresso and capturing the perfect shot for their feeds.

Back to Miami, present day. I’m sitting in a little coffee shop—part of a New Orleans-based chain—spilling these thoughts onto digital paper, unsure where this literary project will lead. My intent, at least for now, is to explore culture and food, two things I’ve always been passionate about, despite my otherwise mundane life.

As I sip my coffee, I can’t help but compare this caffeinated culture to what I experienced in Manila. And I wonder—has Miami become a city frozen in time, clinging to a past that millennials hold dear? A quick Google search or scan through Reddit will tell you that the coffee scene here, especially in South Beach, is pretty lackluster. Yet, somehow, I’ve stumbled upon a little gem. Chain or not, they’re serving up solid coffee and a damn good pastry.

Miami, South Beach. As good a place as any for a Renaissance.

For the younger generation—too distracted by their screens to notice life passing them by. For the older generation—searching for a way to reconnect.

Maybe coffee shops are where it starts. A slow cup of joe. A midmorning conversation between friends, strangers, lovers. Maybe that’s the medicine this post-pandemic world has been craving.

More tomorrow. But if you’re in town, stop by 701 Washington Ave, SoBe, and try the...

This is my first and last time! I came for coffee and beignets! I asked to go to bathroom, he/she stated it was out of order! Which was a lie. The guy from the pizza place gave me the code. When he/she saw me leave out of the bathroom, he/she dropped his/her head. I ordered a macchiato and an order beignets with cream macchiato was cold so I sat there ate my beignets because they were hot I went into explain that I need another one because it was cold they didn’t have heavy cream only milk and milk then I asked for refund he/she said it’s been five minutes I can’t give you a refund for the macchiato. I explain if I would’ve came and brought the coffee to you then my beignets would’ve been cold since my coffee was already cold and I wasn’t going to drink it beignets I ate my beignets and now I’m bringing you the coffee. He/she has been difficult since we first walked in the store said we use a bathroom across the street and we’re patronizing this location. Be careful!...

In my experience as a regular coffee shop customer, I would highlight the exceptional service and attention provided by the barista Agostina, a truly talented barista. Her ability to create the best coffee in the entire United States is remarkable and has been a key factor in my loyalty to this establishment.

However, I was in for a surprise when I tasted my coffee this morning and noticed that they have changed the coffee bean they used to use. The specialty coffee I used to enjoy has been replaced with a commercial bean. As a customer passionate about good coffee, I would recommend them not to downgrade the quality of the bean and reconsider keeping the quality of a specialty coffee shop. The excellence in the service of the baristas deserves to be backed up by the same exceptional quality of a specialty coffee. Do not sacrifice quality for...