Daddy O, Cuban coffee and da Browns

I just returned from my penultimate road trip of 2010. Mrs. d’blank and I went down to Miami to watch the Browns play the Dolphins. I suspect that the Mrs. only came out of pity at my inability to find a friend or family member to attend with me. Despite the way they call themselves “life-long fans” none could find a way to spend a couple days in Miami (where it was 78 and sunny), and a few hours sitting on the fifty yard line courtesy of she-who-will-not-be-named, (so that she isn’t bombarded by other freeloaders) who works-for-the-Dolphin’s-owner. Anyway, my spouse attended her first (and probably last) NFL game out of pity, or maybe she was worried one of those South Beach hotties would get a hold of me if I went alone. (You may laugh here.)

We went straight to Calle Ocho when we got to town and walked around on a beautiful day, watching the old men play dominoes, window shopping the latest Little Havana fashions, and strolling through the Bay of Pigs Park where there were definite signs of recent Santeria activities. We finished up with a strong Cuban coffee and a roll at a small bakery – both delicious and a dollar for both.

We checked into the Daddy O Hotel near Surfside early Saturday evening and went looking for a Cuban restaurant. Found a great one, Sazon, at 73^rd and Collins; an old place that looked like the third generation might be running it. I’d say it was last redecorated sometime between 1956-76; hard to tell.

They served a good drink (hard to find in Florida) and flavorful traditional Cuban meals at a reasonable price. Your parents probably ate there when they visited Miami, but we liked it so much we went back for breakfast the next morning. The crowd had changed from Saturday night’s couples to whole families at push-together tables. Why do huevos revueltos taste so much better than scrambled eggs?

One last cup of Cuban coffee to go and we walked a block to the ocean and took a pre-game walk along Miami Beach in glorious sunshine and a soft ocean breeze.

We entered the stadium and went straight to the lower level where our field passes allowed us on the sidelines up close and personal with the players. That was after getting our photo taken with four Miami cheerleaders and a dufus dressed like a Dolphin. The cheerleaders were very pretty young ladies in very skimpy outfits; they also processed a pneumatic quality that made constant eye contact imperative.

On the sidelines we met a bunch of kids in Team Elam tee shirts, at the game courtesy of Browns d-back Abam Elam (above), a Kent State grad and native of South Florida. I know this is a cliché, but we always hear about the Shaun Rogers of the world. The Browns’ 350-lb defensive tackle was nearby trying to get his pants buckled with the assistance of an equipment man. Last April he was arrested trying to board a flight in Cleveland with a loaded gun in his carry-on. I never heard of Elam before, but there were at least 50 kids at the game Sunday getting the VIP treatment thanks to his generosity.

Then it was up to the Club level, 50-yard line seats bathed in the South Florida sun. When I was a kid I’d be watching late season Miami games on TV. The wind would be blowing snow or sleet that rattled the windows while the people on TV were wearing shades and shorts. It seemed impossibly exotic and I always wondered what it would be like. Now I know. It’s very good.

Neither the Browns or Dolphins are playoff bound and the game reflected that fact. I thought the Browns defense played well but the Dolphins offense may just have been inept. The same may be said of the Dolphins defense and the Browns offense. There was very little offense in the game. Miami was clearly ready for Peyton Hillis, the Browns new great white hope at running back; the holes were not there and he only managed 57 yards rushing. The Browns punter was their MVP in my view.

We did see a 60 yard Miami field goal to end the first half -- unusual if not exactly thrilling, but in general both teams seems to being playing not to lose. Miami finally did when the Browns got their third interception of the day deep in Miami territory with less than a minute to play. They kicked a field goal as time expired and won 13-10. It was not the best NFL game I've ever seen but it was an outstanding day and an excellent road trip. The blues discovery of the trip was The Reverend Raymond and the Chain Smoking Alter Boys. Check ‘em out.

I’ll post some photos on Facebook.