What You'll Get
A marriage between two cuisines is preferable to a marriage between two clones of Sylvester Stallone, a process that eventually results in a baby reared on raw egg and meat punching bags. Savor a simpler fusion with today's Groupon: for $10, you get $20 worth of Cuban-Thai fusion fare at Izzy's Cubi Thai in Miami Beach.
Israel "Izzy" Valdes opened his namesake restaurant to help groups of diners avoid the age-old frustrations of settling for just one type of cuisine. By offering two popular fares in one location, Izzy's acts like a giant dove puffing on a peace pipe, healing the food-fueled rifts between bickering families and nagging couples. The ever-evolving menu is clearly demarcated according to cuisine, and two different chefs man the kitchen to ensure each half of the menu is expertly executed. The menu's Cuban region includes such delicacies as grilled chicken breast draped in equally grilled onions ($8.95) and the cubano sandwich, made with ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, and pickles, all nestled on a Cuban-style roll ($7.95). The Thai portion features well-spiced staples such as pad thai, myriad vegetarian options, and curries of every color ($4–$13). Most of Izzy's sensational dinner entrees and specials fall within the $10–$20 range.
Izzy's dining room pays homage to its two culinary countries as well. The Cuban sector is painted in vibrant reds, with vintage Cuban posters on the wall, and diners in the Thai dining area sit on cushions at low, Asian-inspired tables. Despite where hungry herds fall on the plantains verses peanut-sauce spectrum, Izzy's big-screen movie nights, weekend sports viewings, karaoke fests, and other events will lull everyone into a satiated stupor as they marvel at the magic of moving pictures and soulfully crooned interpretations of "The Safety Dance."
Reviews
The Miami Herald featured Izzy’s Cubi Thai. Seventy-five percent of Urbanspooners recommend it. Yelpers give it an average of four stars:
- Yeah!!!! A place with Thai food that is actually decent :) I've been having a hard time finding anything I like since my visit to Thailand last fall, but this was good! – Michelle W., Yelp
- An excellent surprise. Authentic Thai food in an unlikely place. – GastroPub, Urbanspoon
The Fine Print
Promotional value expires Jun 24, 2011. Amount paid never expires. Limit 2 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Limit 1 per table. Must use in 1 visit, no cash back. Tax and gratuity not included. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.