Save the date: Española Way

Regal Cinema and dinner on Lincoln Road? Take your date off the beaten path. (You can thank us later.)

A chocolate banana crepe with vanilla ice cream at A La Folie in South Beach. Photo: Jared Lazarus

Member rating: 3

By CB Mills

Built in the 1920s and modeled after the romantic Mediterranean villages found in France and Spain, Española Way holds its charm close to a century later. It's so loved by locals that it became one of Miami Beach's first Historic Preservation districts (along with Ocean Drive/Collins Avenue). You're probably familiar with the east end of Española Way (where it meets Washington Avenue), but waiting beyond the barking, menu-waving hostesses guarding the entrance are a few hidden gems you may have yet to discover. Take a short stroll through Lincoln Road's smaller, more bohemian southern sister or, better yet, make a night of it.

Start by lubricating the conversation with a glass of wine at Cavas, the recently opened wine bar. Conceived as a comfortable and non-intimidating tasting room experience, Cavas offers 80 wines for self-service from state-of-the-art wine dispensing machines. In other words, no need to embarrass yourself mispronouncing your choice to the sommelier. Wine is doled out by the ounce, half-glass or glass, and the usual appetizers are present. There's adequate seating inside and out, but many prefer to stand and discuss the grapes.

Steps away is the Miami Beach Cinemateque. Anyone can take a date to the latest blockbuster, so impress your potential soulmate with the latest Cannes has to offer, a pre-release PBS documentary or an entry in a local film festival. Alcohol isn't served here, so you may want to fill up a flask at one of the Cavas spouts. O,r if you're already drunk, keep yourself from dozing off during the movie with an espresso and a bar of gourmet chocolate. They've recently gone HD, so when you get sick of reading subtitles, the pretty colors will keep you interested.

After the film, head next door to A La Folie for a late dinner. This authentic French cafe has the best crepes this side of the Atlantic (you may find yourself returning for breakfast). Order something from both the sweet and savory menus and soak in the intimate ambiance. If this doesn't seal the deal, it's time to retreat to Match.com -- if it does, the historic Clay Hotel is back towards Washington Avenue...

Published: 5/08