Is shopping really a pleasure?

As I sit here and munch on my last bag of microwave popcorn, I realize it has become official:

I have nothing to eat in my apartment!

I guess it’s time to go to Publix.

I get in my car and am forced to make a decision… which Publix should I go to? In case you don’t know, Brickell residents have 3 Publix locations within .6 miles of each other. Yes, I mapquested it! So which one should I choose? I weigh my options carefully…

The Publix on the Miami River that's on 7th Street is definitely out. They never have any items in stock and I don’t like going there by myself. This location is known to be a little sketchy and I don’t want to deal with that.

So my other two choices are the Publix in Mary Brickell Village that just opened last year or the location on 13th Street near Blockbuster. Each has their positives and negatives. The Publix in Mary Brickell is nice and clean, has convenient parking in the garage, and is within walking distance to my apartment. The negatives? It’s really small in Publix standards, has zero cell phone reception and I was once sold some bad scallops from the seafood counter. Then there is the location on 13th. It’s pretty old, the parking lot is a death trap and the aisles are narrow and cramped. Plus, it’s always super crowded for some reason, even in the middle of the day which is when I like to shop. I must admit, their deli is much better than any of the alternative choices and they are constantly refilling the cooked food section.

The reality is that shopping at any of the Publix locations in Brickell is not always a pleasure. I decided to go to the Publix in Mary Brickell Village because it’s much quieter and quite frankly, I’m a girl that likes to shop in peace.

What's eating you?

I love living in Brickell but I must admit, the lack of casual dining options is a problem. I dream of the day when a Panera Bread, Chipotle or even a Dunkin Donuts open their doors.

I know I can’t be alone on this one. Yes, it’s wonderful to have so many fine dining restaurants right outside my door but sometimes I don’t want to spend $75 to go to dinner with my boyfriend. Especially in this economy!

One of my favorite restaurants, The Beer and Burger Joint recently announced that they will be opening their second location right in Mary Brickell Village. This is great news for those of us looking for a casual dining option that won’t break the bank. If you haven’t been, the original Beer and Burger Joint is located in South Beach on Bay Road and 18th Street. B&B is set to open this summer, just in time for football season. Finally, Brickell will have a decent sports bar for Dolphins season!!

What is everyone up to this weekend? Make sure you get outdoors, the weather is supposed to be gorgeous!