Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 20 - 2024
Graziano’s Butcher Block Party, took place on Thursday, December 12 and let’s just say, it was an unforgettable evening filled with fun and Argentine delights. The food was exceptional- unlimited piping hot empanadas of every variety, steak and sausage sandwiches, and grilled churrasco prepared on the Parrilla, all accompanied by so many delicious wines, from all over the world. We felt transported to Argentina for the night.
But it was more than just a food event. The music was fantastic. The crowd enjoyed dancing to the infectious rhythms of Lemon City Trio, Grupo Solsis, and Jackie Mendez. The energy was electric, and it felt like all of Coral Gables was celebrating together.
If you missed it- fret not. Fortunately, this event happens every year. Stay tuned for details on next year’s Butcher Block Party. You won’t want to miss it!
In the meantime, be sure to get your Graziano’s fix at one of their several locations. Visit: https://www.grazianosgroup.com.
In honor of the Winter Solstice on December 21st, Salt & Straw will be offering a free scoop promotion at all locations. Customers who order a single scoop will get to upgrade to a double for free to celebrate the shortest (and sweetest) day of the year.
Customers can choose from classic flavors like Double Fold Vanilla, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender or choose from the limited-edition Holiday Series.
Co-founder and head ice cream maker Tyler Malek has turned all of his favorite holiday flavors into five unique ice creams that capture the cheerful, nostalgia and cozy traditions of the holiday season, and are influenced by Grandma Malek’s favorite festive recipes, cookie swaps, and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s holiday alter-ego “Dwanta.”
Flavors include:
NEW – The Great Cookie Swap (v) – Crunchy biscoff cookies are blended into a coconut cream ice cream base, and stuffed with quintessential holiday cookies: red-and-green sprinkled sugar cookies, powdered chocolate crinkle cookies, and nutty pecan sandwiches, and swirled with Biscoff cookie butter.
Toasted White Chocolate & Peppermint Almonds – This flavor starts with baking white chocolate chips until they’re golden brown to create a rich, caramelized ice cream, folded with crunchy chopped almonds from SkinnyDipped Almonds®, each one double-dipped in delicate layers of dark chocolate and peppermint-infused white chocolate, and swirled with ribbons of minty housemade fudge.
Gingerbread Cookie Dough – Straight from Grandma Malek’s kitchen, her beloved gingerbread molasses “Cry Baby” cookies are back again this year. These family favorites are churned into a gooey cookie butter, then layered into a rum-spiked royal icing ice cream. Bits of gingerbread cookie are scattered throughout so that every bite of this comforting treat is packed with the warm, spiced flavors that’ve been part of the Malek family’s holiday festivities for generations.
Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache – This sweet and salty flavor is inspired by Grandma Malek’s recipe- studded brittle with candied almonds, slivers of the brittle and decadent chocolate ganache nuggets (creamy, truffle-like delights bursting with salty sweetness) are folded into a classic Double Fold vanilla ice cream.
Dwanta’s Teremana Spiked Eggnog – Inspired by Dwanta—our friend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s holiday alter ego— this flavor brings together tequila and eggnog to spike the rich, silky custard ice cream with notes of oaky vanilla from Teremana’s Reposado. Amontillado sherry gives it backbone, and an unexpected nuttiness that’s perfectly in character, with nutmeg and dark agave to give the flavor a toasty finish. For locations visit:Salt & Straw.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 13 - 2024
Flaunt magazine launched its “Where Are We Going?” issue during Miami Art Week in collaboration with the Bass Art Museum, at the luxurious Air private lounge on the Miami River. The chic space is designed to evoke the interior of a yacht.
The exclusive event, featured a captivating performance by cover star John Summit. The charming and charismatic Summit mingled with stylish guests before taking over the DJ booth. Prior to Summit’s performance, guests enjoyed sets by Jaywav, Gilly Chan, Bec Adams, and Miluska.
The event was co-produced by Jeffrey Jah, Rose Thorn of Lenox Room, and Karim Amatulla of Unpublished.
In attendance were Lady Victoria Hervey, Indira Ceserine, Brad Taylor, Cuba Gooding Jr., River Viiperi, Nicola Siervo, Andrew Gifford, , Fabian Basabe, and Harif Guzman, who danced until the wee hours of the morning.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2024
Get ready to Mambo under the Miami moonlight at the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana’s most fun event of the year – the “Every Child Has a Dream” Gala. Don your most comfortable dancing shoes for what’s sure to be a dance marathon- all for a great cause.
The party will take place on Saturday, December 14th at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center. Get ready to shimmy to the electrifying beats of DJ Alex Gutierrez and DJ Jimmie E., then sing your heart out to chart-topping Cuban crooner Leoni Torres. Keeping the whole night lively will be the ever-charming Martica Lopez, host of the afternoon show on Hits 97.3. The fun starts at 7:00 pm and unlimited cocktails and food will be served.
The real stars of the night are the kids. The Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation has been making a difference in the lives of children and young adults for years, providing scholarships, educational programs, summer camps, and more. They’ve impacted hundreds of thousands of kids and awarded over $3 million in college scholarships Now that’s something to celebrate!
A big shout-out to Bacardi, Amerant Bank, Williamson Cadillac, Coca-Cola South Florida, Café La Llave, Gaviña Gourmet Coffee, Homestead Speedway, and all of the sponsors who are helping make this night possible.
Head to https://kiwanisgala.com for tickets. Follow the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana on Facebook (@KiwanisLittleHavana) and Instagram (@KiwanisofLittleHavana) to stay in the loop.
Lala’s Burgers, the smash burger sensation from Miami’s iconic Apocalypse BBQ, has officially opened at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., bringing its viral creations to Miami’s Bird Road Art District and now offering fans the opportunity to enjoy them seven days a week.
Since debuting as a Tuesday-only pop-up at Apocalypse BBQ in Kendall over the summer, Lala’s Burgers has repeatedly drawn an overwhelming response. The team attempted a soft launch for this new phase of the brand at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing earlier this month, hoping for a gradual start to operations for the location, but that proved impossible. News spread quickly across social media, and lines soon formed as eager fans returned for more legendary smash burgers.
Lala’s Burgers debuted with three signature smash burgers, each loaded with flavor:
Lala Smash ($12) – A five-ounce patty with American cheese, grilled onions, “Lala Sauce,” and house-made pickles.
Classic Smash ($12) – A five-ounce patty with American cheese, onions, house pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and the OG sauce.
Maxwell Smash ($16) – A five-ounce patty topped with American cheese, queso frito (fried cheese), chopped pepperoni, and hot honey aioli. This “Burger of the Month” will only be available for November.
For those with a big appetite, burgers can be doubled (for an additional $4). The team recommends rounding out the meal with crispy fries (available for $6) and a classic chocolate chip cookie round—a fan favorite from Apocalypse BBQ (for $3.50).
Owned by Jeff Budnechky and his wife Laura “Lala” Budnechky —after whom the burger concept is named—Apocalypse BBQ in Kendall has become a prized spot in the Miami food scene that draws long lines daily. Known for its coffee-rubbed ribs, juicy brisket, and outstanding burgers, it was only a matter of time before the team brought Lala’s Burgers to a broader audience. Apocalypse BBQ’s signature “Jefe Smash” burger, which boasts a brisket and short rib patty topped with American cheese, grilled onions, and “Jefe Sauce” served on a Martin’s potato bun, helped cement their reputation for delivering a rich, meaty, and irresistibly crispy smash burger.
” We’re truly humbled and energized by the love and enthusiasm Miami has shown for Lala’s Burgers,” said Laura “Lala” Budnechky, co-owner of Apocalypse BBQ. “What started as a simple pop-up has turned into something extraordinary, and we’re grateful to have a home at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co. where fans can enjoy our smash burgers every day. Seeing the overwhelming response has been incredible, and we can’t wait to keep serving up flavors that bring people together.”
Lala’s Burgers is now open daily at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., 7360 SW 41 Street, in Miami. Hours are Monday from 4 to 11 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from noon to 1 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. The Tuesday pop-up at Apocalypse BBQ, 9980 SW 104 Street, in Kendall, will continue every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On Saturday, December 7, Choose Chicago, the city’s official tourism board took over Veza Sur Brewing Co. to present Chicago Style: Miami Edition. Launched by Choose Chicago in 2024, the Chicago Style campaign celebrates the unique attitude and attractions that make Chicago an unparalleled travel destination. To help Chicago Style come to life in cities across the globe, Choose Chicago is teaming up with Chicago-based creatives on events that celebrate Chicago through art, music, and more.
Chicago Style landed in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood with a vibrant event at Veza Sur Brewing Co. (55 NW 25th St.; Miami, FL 33127) featuring renowned, self-taught street muralist Joseph Anthony Perez, also known as Sentrock.During this daylong activation, both art and travel enthusiasts hadthe opportunity to meet Sentrock, witness him creating an unforgettable mural artwork, enjoy food and drink, groove to music by DJ Ill-Set, take part in interactive art activities, receive colorful giveaways like customized travel bags with Chicago-inspired designs, Sentrock-designed bar glass, play the old-school claw machine filled with goodies from Chicago’s beloved art institutions and makers and learn why Chicago has been voted the nation’s Best Big City in the U.S. by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler for the past eight years in a row.
