Dancers during a show at Costa Vasca in Miami.Photo: Hector Gabino.

Speak up!

By Amy Reyes

As the euro continues to give the dollar a serious butt-kicking, maybe it's time to accept that your trip to Andalusia is just not going to happen any time soon. Yet you find yourself longing for that nostalgic guitar strum accompanied by a melancholic voice filled with a timeless mystery and beauty; to hear the staccato of prodigious feet imitating the rhythms of clapping hands. Where can you go to fill your evenings with the flamenco sound you long to hear without having to worry about the exchange rate? Here are some spots that will bring the Madre Patria to you until the dollar (¡pobrecito!) makes a comeback.

Casa Panza
This Spanish restaurant in the heart of Little Havana is probably one of the best-known venues in Miami that showcases flamenco singers, dancers and musicians. Juan de Alba and guitarist Emilio Bravo delight the diners with music as they munch on tapas, paella and drink pitcher after pitcher of sangria. Then follows Leonardo Navarro with his dancers and their tablao performance. No cover, just come for dinner or cocktails.
When to go: Wednesday through Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m., Sundays starting at 3 p.m.
1620 SW Eighth St., Miami; 305-643-5343

Tapas y Tintos
Located on Espanola Way in South Beach, this restaurant/lounge gives the flamencofiles three nights a week of lively entertainment. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays feature musicians and dancers from the troupe Flamenco Inc. Saturday nights feature Luis Linares, also known as "El Tiburon" (The Shark). After the show, DJ Yasset mixes it up until 5 a.m.
When to go: Wednesdays and Sundays 9:30 p.m., Saturdays at 11 p.m.
448 Española Way, Miami Beach; 305-538-8272

Diego's Restaurant
Most people go to Diego's to fill up on authentic Spanish cuisine or to browse the extensive wine list, or maybe to get an abrazo from Diego Lozano, the cheerful owner who loves to receive Latin America's glitterati like Thalia and the Estefans at his elegant spot in Coral Gables. But Diego's also offers you two chances to get your fill of flamenco on Saturday nights, so you can watch during dinner or as you sip after-dinner cocktails. The show enlists a guitarist, singer and three dancers.
When to go: Saturday nights, 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
65 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables; 305-448-2498

Ajiaco's Grill
Maybe it's a Columbian joint in Doral, but Ajiaco's Grill is filled with the flamenco sounds of guitarist Fito Espinola every Friday night. After the laid-back strumming of this versatile artist, the DJ takes over and it turns into a disco, so get their early if you want to keep your evening low-key.
When to go: Friday nights the music starts after 8 p.m.
10720 NW 58 St., Doral; 305-477-4646

Costa Vasca
Another treasure trove for flamenco enthusiasts, Costa Vasca has flamenco shows featuring Leo Heredia and guest artists every Friday night.
When to go: Friday nights after 10 p.m.
5779 SW 8th St, Miami; 305-261-2394

La Taberna de San Roman
It sounds like a little hole-in-the-wall bar that has been hidden down a cobblestone street in Toledo, Spain for centuries, but really it's a Spanish restaurant in a strip mall in the Flagami area, and Saturday nights they put on a show complete with dancers and singers. Come for dinner or cocktails and stay to be entertained.
When to go: Saturday nights 8:30 p.m.
1460 NW 107th Ave, Miami; 305-593-8110

Published: 11/08

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