Archive for the ‘Don’t Miss’ Category

La Birra Bar Opens in Coral Gables With Award-Winning Burgers and Stylish Vibes

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On June - 5 - 2026

Award-winning Argentinian burger concept La Birra Bar has officially opened its newest South Florida location on Miracle Mile, bringing its globally celebrated burgers, signature sauces, and elevated dining experience to the heart of the City Beautiful.

While Miami is certainly no stranger to great burgers, La Birra Bar takes the experience to another level. Known for its perfectly crafted patties, premium ingredients, and bold flavor combinations, the restaurant has built an international reputation among burger enthusiasts and food critics alike.

One of the standout features is the impressive lineup of house-made sauces that transform every burger into a flavor-packed experience. From creamy and savory to spicy and tangy, the sauces are every bit as memorable as the burgers themselves and are a major reason guests keep coming back for more.

The menu is filled with crave-worthy creations, including the viral Dubai Burger, inspired by the flavors and luxury synonymous with its namesake. The Only Fans Burger has quickly become a customer favorite thanks to its over-the-top indulgent ingredients and Instagram-worthy presentation. For those looking for the ultimate burger experience, the Golden Burger delivers a decadent combination of premium toppings and rich flavors worthy of its name.

Beyond the food, La Birra Bar accommodates guests with a sleek, stylish interior that feels more like a trendy neighborhood lounge than a traditional burger joint. Modern design elements, warm lighting, and an energetic atmosphere make it equally appealing for casual lunches, date nights, happy hours, and group dinners.

Adding to the experience is a curated selection of beer and wine, allowing guests to pair their burgers with everything from crisp lagers and craft brews to refreshing wines that complement the restaurant’s bold flavors.

Located in the heart of Miracle Mile, La Birra Bar is a welcomed addition to the long list of Coral Gables’ dining destinations. Whether you’re chasing Miami’s next viral burger, looking for an elevated casual dining experience, or simply craving one of the best burgers in town, this newcomer deserves a spot on your must-visit list.

One bite, a side of those unforgettable sauces, and you’ll understand why La Birra Bar has earned a loyal following around the world.

Two brands known for turning nostalgic treats into next-level indulgences—Salt & Straw and Miami favorite Santo Dulce—are teaming up for a limited-time Pride Month pop-up that promises to be every sweet tooth’s dream come true.

On June 6 and June 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Santo Dulce’s iconic retro airstream trailer will roll up outside Salt & Straw’s Wynwood scoop shop, giving guests the chance to pair their famous Churro Halos and ChurroCones with Salt & Straw’s crave-worthy ice cream flavors. Think Chocolate Gooey Brownie, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Miami-exclusive Panther Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches, and more.

And yes, I got an early preview of the decadent combo, and let’s just say I left hearing angels. Between Santo Dulce’s warm, freshly made churros and Salt & Straw’s rich, creamy scoops, the Santo Sundae is pure dessert magic. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and completely worth every delicious bite.

The festivities go beyond the sweets. In celebration of Pride Month, both evenings will feature live DJ sets and a tarot card-inspired “destiny” wheel, where guests can try their luck at scoring bonus churros, extra scoops, toppings, and other sweet surprises.

Whether you’re chasing your next Instagram-worthy treat, looking for a fun Pride Month outing, or simply believe churros and ice cream belong together, this limited-time Wynwood pop-up deserves a spot on your June calendar. Just come hungry—and maybe prepare to hear angels, too.

Salt & Straw x Santo Dulce Pride Month Pop-Up

  • When: June 6 & June 13, 2025 | 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Where: Salt & Straw Wynwood, 246 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127
  • What to Expect: Churro Halos, ChurroCones, specialty ice cream pairings, live DJs, and a chance to win sweet upgrades through the “destiny” wheel.

NYC’s iconic H&H Bagels is bringing the heat to South Florida with its new limited-time Honey Harissa “Hot Pickle” Cream Cheese collaboration with viral favorite Good Girl Snacks. Available throughout May, the sweet-and-spicy spread combines H&H’s signature cream cheese with Good Girl Snacks’ cult-famous Honey Harissa Pickles for the perfect balance of tang, heat, and sweetness.

We stopped by the Pinecrest location to try it for ourselves and loved it paired with an everything bagel — the savory seasoning complemented the bold honey harissa flavor perfectly. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your morning bagel order or add something different to your lunch break, this delicious treat is worth trying before it’s gone.

Founded on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in 1972, H&H Bagels has become a true New York staple, known for its classic kettle-boiled bagels and pop culture appearances in Sex and the City and Seinfeld. Meanwhile, Good Girl Snacks continues to dominate social media with its viral Hot Girl Pickles, loved for their bold flavors and better-for-you ingredients.

The Honey Harissa “Hot Pickle” Cream Cheese is available now at all H&H Bagels locations, online, and through the H&H Bagels app, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.

A Taste of Chinatown: Chinese Tuxedo Brings Contemporary Elegance to a’Riva

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On May - 14 - 2026

Sunset Harbour’s culinary landscape just leveled up. Following a string of heavy-hitting collaborations, a’Riva at Harbour Club is currently playing host to Manhattan’s celebrated Chinese Tuxedo. From May 12th – 16th, this limited-time pop-up is transforming the intimate Miami space into a contemporary Chinese banquet hall, blending New York City’s edgy sophistication with the artful ambiance of the Harbour Club.

Beyond the stunning views and the sleek, warm-lit atmosphere, the true star is a menu that reinterprets traditional flavors with bold, modern flair.

The collaboration features a curated selection of Chinese Tuxedo’s most iconic hits, complemented by a bespoke cocktail program:

• Signature Cocktails: The bar program is as inventive as the kitchen, featuring the Paradise Park (Vodka, Lychee, Yuzu), the Mott Collins (Gin, Pear, Chinese Five Spice), and the spicy, savory Bloody Angle (Tequila, Blood Orange, Sichuan, Chili).

• Dim Sum: Kick things off with the refreshing Spicy Cucumbers and Marinated Wood Ear Mushrooms in a red vinegar dressing. Other highlights include Hamachi Crudo, Shrimp Toast with XO Sauce, and the standout Crispy Eggplant.

• Noodles: Options range from Kombu Noodles with Jonah Crab to the show-stopping Whole Live Lobster Noodles.

• Seafood & Meats: Steamed Snapper, Crispy Skin Half Chicken, and the legendary Half Roast Duck.

• Vegetables: Steamed Bok Choy and Xinjiang Spiced Green Beans.

• Dessert: Mandarin Custard Crème Brûlée and Sesame Balls.

Outstanding Dishes & Culinary Highlights

While every plate delivered, several dishes redefined what we expect from Chinese cuisine in Miami:

• The “Candy” Eggplant: The Crispy Eggplant with Sichuan Peppercorn and Sesame is a revelation. It’s essentially “veggie candy”—perfectly glazed, crunchy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.

• The Signature Roast Duck: Prepared in the signature Chinese Tuxedo fashion, the Half Roast Duck arrives with perfectly rendered skin and succulent, five-spice infused meat that pays homage to traditional banquet dining.

• Whole Live Lobster Noodles: Expertly prepared and visually stunning, the lobster is succulent and tossed in a rich, golden garlic butter that clings to every strand of noodle.

• Reimagined Greens: Even the sides shine. The Bok Choy features a unique burnt garlic oil, while the Green Beans are tossed in a fragrant Xinjiang spice blend that provides a smoky, addictive heat.

• The Finale: The Crème Brûlée Mandarin Custard Tart is arguably the best version of the dessert in the city—silky, citrusy, and finished with a flawless glass-like sugar crust.

What truly levels up this pop-up is the outstanding service. The staff at a’Riva navigates the complexity of the Chinese Tuxedo menu with grace, offering insightful recommendations. It is a rare “cross-cultural exchange” where the high-energy service of New York meets the relaxed luxury of Miami.

Plan Your Visit:

• Location: a’Riva at Harbour Club, 1916 Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

• Dates: Now through Saturday, May 16th.

• Time: Dinner service begins nightly at 6:00 PM.

• Reservations: Highly recommended and can be made via Resy or by contacting the restaurant directly at 305-910-0415.

Whether you’re a fan of the NYC original or a local looking for the most compelling meal in town this week, this collaboration is a must-visit. Catch it before it’s gone!

Masked Reality: A Black & White Affair at Night at the Museum 2026

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On April - 16 - 2026

If Miami had a “main character energy” night for the art world, this would be it—just reimagined in black and white.

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, The Bass transforms into something far beyond a museum. This year’s Night at the Museum arrives under the theme Masked Reality, an immersive, monochromatic experience where illusion, identity, and artistry blur into one unforgettable night. From 8 to 11 PM, the space becomes an after-hours cultural playground, blending contemporary art with nightlife in a way only Miami can deliver.

Traditionally reserved for members at the Affiliate level and above, this signature event has built a reputation as one of the most exclusive art parties in the city. A limited number of single tickets open the door just enough for those ready to step into the scene—where the guest list reads like a who’s who of Miami creatives, collectors, and cultural insiders.

“Get ready for a night where art comes alive” takes on new meaning this year. Guests are not just attendees—they are part of the visual narrative. The black-and-white dress code sets the stage for bold, creative interpretation: sculptural silhouettes, tailored tuxedos, sheer layers, dramatic masks, and avant-garde styling that blurs the line between fashion and installation.

The effect is intentional. In a stripped-down palette, every detail becomes sharper, every movement more striking. The crowd itself becomes a living extension of the exhibitions—an evolving composition of contrast, mystery, and self-expression.

The evening unfolds as a curated collision of art and atmosphere. Guests move through exhibitions with cocktails in hand, music carrying through the galleries, and a sense of discovery at every turn. It’s less quiet contemplation and more immersive experience—where contemporary works are encountered in a completely different light, surrounded by energy and conversation.

The Bass has long been a cornerstone of Miami Beach’s contemporary art scene, known for pushing boundaries and creating experiences that feel both elevated and accessible. Night at the Museum embodies that vision—transforming the traditional museum visit into something social, dynamic, and distinctly Miami.

In a city defined by late nights and spectacle, Masked Reality sits perfectly at the intersection of culture and nightlife. The museum becomes the setting, the guests become the moment, and the night unfolds somewhere between reality and illusion.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Time: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Location: The Bass

Tickets: https://thebass.org/night-museum-2026/

Slow Food Miami’s Annual Tasting Party Returns

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On March - 31 - 2026

The 15th annual Slow Food Miami’s Annual “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party will return on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at an exciting new venue, the one-and-only Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Tickets are available to purchase via Eventbrite HERE. General admission tickets are $125 per person in advance; $145 per person at the door. VIP Garden Sponsor is $750 and includes (2) two tickets and access to the VIP Lounge + sponsorship of one school garden bed.

Often referred to as, “Miami’s Freshest Night Out,” the annual event is Slow Food Miami’s (SFM) night to honor Miami chefs, restaurants, artisans and purveyors who make sustainability and local sourcing of paramount importance. The celebration goes hand in hand with SFM’s mission to support local farmers/growers and help educate future generations about the importance of smart, responsible sourcing and the authentic origins of the food we eat. Event proceeds benefit SFM’s Edible School & Community Garden Program. This year’s celebrity emcee will be Miami’s own Olee Fowler, 1/3 of the trio behind the Magic City’s favorite new food blog The Leftovers.  

Participants confirmed thus far include: Christoper Robertson/Carillon Miami Wellness Resort; Logan McNeil/Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort; Michael Beltran/Ariete; Allen Susser/Slow Fish & Chef Allen’s consulting; Chef Pedro Mederos/Kojin; Domaselo; Everglades Oysters; Garcia Nevett Chocolatier de Miami; Laurie’s Pantry; Pamela Wasabi Bakery; Radiate Kombucha and Titanic Brewery. More to come.

“We are excited to bring this year’s celebration to the gorgeous and health-minded Carillon Miami Wellness Resort,” says SFM Chair Michele Benesch. “We look forward to this night all year; our annual opportunity to pay tribute to and celebrate the talents, visionaries and dedicated doers who have committed themselves and their businesses to help further Slow Food’s Mission. The funds we raise directly benefit our edible garden school program and every year it becomes more important to get to kids and show them what real food is and where it comes from.”

Slow Food Miami’s 15th annual “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party is sponsored by Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Royal Caribbean, SYLTBAR, Brustman Carrino Public Relations, Jet Set Sound, and Menu Men, Inc.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-snail-of-approval-tasting-party-tickets-1983910227897?aff=oddtdtcreator