Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 15 - 2025
Graziano’s is officially bringing back its Annual Holiday Food Block Party on December 18th, and this year’s celebration is bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever. Taking over the heart of Coral Gables, the evening blends Argentine tradition, global flavors, live music, and holiday cheer for a great cause.
Expect open-fire Argentine cooking, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, unlimited tastings of international wines and local & global beers, plus live performances bringing jazz, cumbia, and Latin flair by Electric Kif, MOONJAXX, and Dr. Calavera. The festive energy continues with a holiday market, featuring stocking embroidery, gift basket wrapping, and seasonal shopping moments you won’t want to miss.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Camillus House, supporting essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness in South Florida — making this a celebration that truly gives back.
Your ticket includes:
• Unlimited food & drinks
• A commemorative Graziano’s wine glass
• 25% off all wine bottles and Mercado retail items (event day only)
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 15 - 2025
Say hello to your best sleep yet. The iSense FlexiCool Adjustable Pillow is redefining nighttime comfort with a luxe, personalized approach that feels as good as it looks. Designed for sleepers who want it their way, this pillow lets you fine-tune both height and firmness by adding or removing foam until it perfectly matches your sleep style—plush, firm, or somewhere in between.
The first thing you’ll notice is the cool-to-the-touch, silky-soft outer cover. Powered by FlexiCool Technology and lined with moisture-wicking Dacron aqua fiberfill, it helps regulate temperature around your head, neck, and shoulders—so you fall asleep faster and stay comfortable all night long. No overheating. No tossing and turning.
Inside, premium cross-cut memory foam cubes infused with temperature-regulating gel beads provide breathable, pressure-relieving support in any sleeping position. Each cube is spun with anti-bunching polyester fiber for consistent comfort, night after night. And with CertiPUR-US certified foam, you can rest easy knowing the materials are safe, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed.
Unlike one-size-fits-all pillows, the FlexiCool adapts to you—supporting proper spinal alignment and delivering that elusive, truly restorative sleep.
For more information and to order: http://www.myisense.com/
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2025
At Casa Gianna golden-hour cocktails, flawless service, and unforgettable pasta make every meal feel like a celebration.
Tucked inside the chic Gale Miami Hotel and Residences, brings a touch of Italian glamour to the heart of Downtown Miami, with its golden glow, elegant bar, impeccable service — and a vibe that hits that perfect note between sophisticated and social.
The moment you walk in, you feel it: the hum of conversation drifting from the marble bar, the smooth rhythm of clinking martini glasses, the warmth of a team that knows exactly what hospitality means. The management here sets the tone — gracious, polished, and genuinely attentive — the kind of service that turns dinner into an experience.
The dishes are generous, flavorful, and unapologetically delicious. The fennel meatballs are pure perfection — tender, saucy, with just enough fennel to supercharge the taste. The grilled octopus arrives well-charred , smoky and soft, brushed with olive oil and lemon. For something rich and decadent, the Pappardelle a la Rosa de Ricotta: lemon pappardelle with pistachio and truffle cream is a star — velvety ribbons of pasta layered with indulgence and just enough brightness to balance it out. For the main we recommend the pistachio-crusted lamb chops- cooked to perfection and simply outstanding.
The dinner menu as a whole is indulgence done right: chicken parm that’s crisp and comforting, several specialty home-made pasta dishes and a number of wood-fired pizzas that bridge Italian tradition and Miami flair. For those craving something heartier, the steak selections impress with prime cuts grilled to order. The branzino and other seasonal fish dishes bring a lighter touch, as do the specialty salads. The menu moves effortlessly from simple to refined.
Casa Gianna is glamorous without trying too hard — a restaurant that makes you want to stay for dessert and maybe one more round.
Aperitivo Hour: Italian Tradition
The bar alone is worth a visit — a gleaming statement of style and substance, with spritzes, Negronis, and cocktails crafted with precision. It’s the ideal setting for a pre-dinner drink, a post-work rendezvous, or an entire evening spent at the counter, soaking in the scene.
Weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. (4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays), aperitivo hour brings an authentic slice of Italy to Downtown. Expect well-priced wines, handcrafted cocktails, and small bites designed for grazing and gossip. It’s effortlessly cool — a place to unwind, flirt, and fall in love with the art of lingering.
When night falls, Casa Gianna becomes cinematic — candle-lit tables, glimmering wine glasses, and the kind of energy that makes for a fantastic evening.
Brunch: La Dolce Morning
Weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Casa Gianna transforms into a sunlit sanctuary of leisure. Think golden-hour lighting, laid-back elegance, and a menu that celebrates Italian comfort. Guests are encouraged to relax and sip espresso martinis and Mimosas, savoring dishes like eggs al forno, crisp salads, and — of course — those signature meatballs that somehow taste even better before noon.
With its flawless dishes, magnetic atmosphere, and genuine hospitality, Casa Gianna is more than just a dining destination— it’s an experience. The kind that lingers long after the last sip of limoncello.
Miami’s beloved nonprofit, Amigos For Kids, is bringing the holiday spirit back to Jose Martí Park on Sunday, December 14, for its 34th Annual Holiday Toy Drive—a cherished tradition that spreads joy to thousands of underserved children and families across South Florida.
What started more than three decades ago as a small community effort has grown into one of the region’s most heartwarming holiday celebrations. “Each year, our Toy Drive reminds us of the extraordinary power of compassion,” says Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos For Kids. Thanks to the support of generous partners, volunteers, and donors, families can count on a magical day filled with gifts, treats, and unforgettable memories.
Board Chair Yosbel Ibarra shares that the event is much more than toys: “Every smile and every shared moment reinforces the work we do year-round to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.”
Pre-registered children will enjoy meeting Santa, picking out personalized gifts, and indulging in festive fun. Beyond the event, Amigos For Kids will deliver toys to partner organizations to ensure even more little ones experience the joy of the season.
This year’s Toy Drive is proudly supported by many community champions, including The Chariff Family, The Lowell & Betty Dunn Family Foundation, The Brunetti Foundation, FedEx, The Gloria Estefan Foundation, Miami HEAT Charitable Fund, and numerous local organizations and businesses.
Want to make a difference? You can donate toys, volunteer, or contribute online.
Learn more at amigosforkids.org and follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Kendall is getting a sizzling new addition just in time for the holidays: Lala’s Burgers, the cult-favorite concept born from Miami’s Apocalypse BBQ, is opening its first full-fledged restaurant on December 12 at 13750 SW 88th Street.
What began as a Tuesday pop-up has expanded into a full-service, 70-seat neighborhood gem. Now, guests can enjoy all the classics—The Lala, The Bacon, and those addictive double-fried seasoned fries—alongside a delicious menu featuring chicken sandwiches, hot dogs on house-baked buns, onion rings, brownie à la mode, that will have you singing “lalalala…you make me feel good” all the way home.
The new location debuts a curated craft beer list spotlighting Miami favorites like Tripping Animals’ Everhaze IPA, La Playita, La Rubia, and rarer finds from Lost City and Rocketeer(woot woot), plus wine and soft drinks.
Lala’s includes a dine-in experience with full service, first-come-first-served seating, and bagged takeout. Coming soon: a vinyl listening section—an homage to Apocalypse BBQ—plus board and table games to make the space a true neighborhood hangout.
The opening marks a major milestone for Jeff and Laura “Lala” Bud, whose backyard-born Apocalypse BBQ has grown into a Kendall staple with multiple concepts under the Day One Hospitality umbrella. After outgrowing its early pop-up days and wrapping up its run at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co., Lala’s Burgers officially calls Kendall home.
“This isn’t just another viral burger joint,” says Lala. “It’s our way of serving the Kendall community with bold flavors and a welcoming environment. What started as a backyard project has become something extraordinary.”
Lala’s Burgers hours (starting Dec. 12, 2025):
Tue–Thu: 11 am–9 pm
Fri–Sat: 11 am–11 pm
Sun: 11 am–9 pm
Follow @lalasburgers on Instagram for more information.
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Curated by Entertainment Influencers & UP | Unparalleled Productions
