We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Manas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I started The foodiary because I have a passion for food. I love to explore different cuisines and blogging allows me to share this passion with others. It provides an outlet for creativity in blogging, writing and photography. It’s also a great way to connect with others and build a community of like minded people who share a love for eating and exploring new places.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an Instagram food blogger, I’ve always believed that food is more than just sustenance. It’s a language that transcends cultures and brings people together. What sets me apart is my focus on finding new hidden gems in Miami.
My content isn’t just about the food on the plate, but about the stories, memories, and traditions that make each dish special. I take pride in combining vibrant visuals with authentic storytelling, ensuring that every post is an immersive experience for my followers.
I’m most proud of the community I’ve built—people who share my love for exploring food in creative and meaningful ways. One of my proudest moments was when I was featured in Voyage Mia it showcases the most inspiring stories.. Seeing how my work resonates with others and knowing that I’ve inspired people to try new spots or explore new cuisines is incredibly fulfilling.
The road to where I am today hasn’t been a straight path. Along the way, I faced moments of doubt, especially when it felt like the growth wasn’t happening fast enough or the creative energy wasn’t flowing. I started this food blog with my late husband, I am a widow and mother of 2 beautiful boys. This is something I’ve continued now with them. My sons will continue their father’s legacy, carrying forward his deep love for food and the way it brought people together. Through them, his passion will live on, creating new memories while honoring the ones we cherish.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Explore South Beach

-Morning: Start with a beach stroll along South Beach. Soak in the Art Deco architecture.
-Brunch: Head to The Front Porch Café for delicious American classics with a view.
-Afternoon: Visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden or the Bass Museum of Art. Explore Lincoln Road Mall for some shopping.
-Dinner: Enjoy a fine dining experience at Joe’s Stone Crab for their famous stone crabs and seafood.

Day 2: Wynwood Walls & Art Scene

– Breakfast: Start the day at Zak the Baker for artisan pastries and fresh coffee.
– Morning: Explore the vibrant murals at Wynwood Walls and check out the local galleries.
-Lunch: Grab a creative taco at Coyo Taco, one of the most popular spots for Mexican street food.
-Afternoon: Visit The Rubell Museum or browse the street art shops.
-Dinner: Try KYU for Asian-inspired wood-fired cuisine. The brisket and short ribs are must-tries.

Day 3: Little Havana

-Breakfast: Start with a Cuban coffee and pastry at El Rey de las Fritas.
-Morning: Take a walking tour of Little Havana, stopping by Domino Park and watching locals play chess.
-Lunch: Indulge in traditional Cuban food at Versailles, a Miami staple, famous for its Cuban sandwiches and ropa vieja.
-Afternoon: Visit the Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park or take a salsa dancing class at a local venue.
-Dinner: Check out Ball & Chain for live music, drinks, and Cuban small plates in a historical setting.

Day 4: Design District & Luxury

-Brunch: Enjoy brunch at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, known for locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes.
-Morning: Wander the Miami Design District, known for its high-end shops, galleries, and public art installations.
-Lunch: If you’re up for something unique, try Swan, a chic restaurant co-owned by Pharrell Williams, for global-inspired fare.
-Afternoon: Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art or simply stroll through the design shops.
-Dinner: End the night at Mandolin Aegean Bistro for a cozy Mediterranean dinner in a charming garden setting.

Day 5: Key Biscayne & Nature

-Breakfast: Stop by GreenStreet Café in Coconut Grove for a hearty breakfast before heading out.
-Morning: Drive to Key Biscayne and enjoy the scenic views. Spend time at Crandon Park Beach or hike through Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
-Lunch: Grab fresh seafood at The Rusty Pelican, offering stunning views of downtown Miami from the water.
-Afternoon: Relax on the beach or visit the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse.
-Dinner: Head back to Coconut Grove for dinner at Ariete, a modern American spot with Cuban influences.

Day 6: Coral Gables & Culture

-Breakfast: Visit Café Demetrio, a quaint European-style café in Coral Gables, for breakfast and coffee.
-Morning: Explore the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and enjoy its beautiful landscapes.
-Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood or Latin-inspired dishes at MesaMar Seafood Table.
-Afternoon: Visit the stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a Mediterranean Revival estate with expansive gardens and ocean views.
-Dinner: Dine at Ortanique on the Mile, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant with vibrant flavors on the famous Miracle Mile.

Day 7: Downtown Miami & Bayside

-Brunch: Start your day with a Cuban-inspired brunch at All Day, a trendy café downtown.
-Lunch: Dine at La Mar by Gastón Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where you’ll enjoy Peruvian cuisine with gorgeous views of the bay.
-Afternoon: Visit the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for modern and contemporary art, or stroll around Bayside Marketplace for souvenirs.
-Dinner: Wrap up your trip at Zuma, known for its chic setting and sophisticated Japanese cuisine.

This itinerary strikes a balance between relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights.

Instagram: The.foodiary

Image Credits
.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.