I remember driving my old, dark blue Nissan Sentra XE, with the windows down,Tori Amos blaring out of my stereo as I drove down the crack-filled streets of NW/NE 79th Street.  That was nearly 15 years ago.  Today, those streets, still not necessarily a spot you want to blare Tori, have slowly experienced a transformation.  
    The general feel of  Biscayne Boulevard has undergone a metamorphosis reminiscent of the old Coconut Grove’s bohemian/artistic vibe.  There are gourmet trucks and $5 outdoor viewings of Goldfinger, UVA 69’s consistently delicious menu, Wynwood is only a five minutes away and you’re in the art disctrict, and then there’s 79th Street…on Saturdays from 9-2, there’s an organic Farmer’s Market now, there’s Marky’s where you can get anything from cheese to the best caviar in town, Boteco’s caipirinha’s, and then you will notice the mural of what seems to be a latin woman with a noticeable posterior and a sign on  the sidewalk that reads lunch specials.  Now you know you have arrived at Yiya’s Gourmet Cuban Bakery & Cafe.
    Parking is generally a breeze.  Inside Yiya’s, the decoration inside is clean and hip, the energy feels young and electric.  The walls are covered with decent photography pieces, a ‘Free Wifi’ sign, inviting you to stay a while.  
    Then there’s the staff…of wonderful, hospitable Cuban women, three of which are grandmother, mother and daughter.  The food is delicious.  I had fried chick peas with brown rice, and took their known pan con lechon to go, which I gobbled up later while watching SNL.  Oh, and try their cupcakes…delicious.  Oh, and their croquettes…yum.  And don’t you dare leave without having a cortadito!  Just go…grab your purse, wallet, or fanny bag and head out to Yiya’s on 79th Street…but, word of caution, this treasure needs its beauty rest so don’t go on Sunday or Monday because they are closed and recovering from a hopping weekend crowd!  Oh, and I didn’t mention the best part…it’s cheap!

I give Yiya’s a rating of 4 cortaditos!  Are you in your car yet?  Hurry!