Miami’s tastemakers gathered for an evening of spirited sophistication as Johnnie Walker unveiled its newest permanent innovation, Johnnie Walker Black Cask, during an intimate celebration at Amazónico Miami.

Part of a multi-market U.S. tour, the evening welcomed local bartenders, media, and influencers for a closer look at the art and science of blending with Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker. Guests explored the layered character of the whisky while learning how the blend bridges two traditions — combining the bold personality of American whiskey with the craftsmanship and blending heritage of Scotland.

One of the highlights of the night was the Blender’s Lab, an interactive space where guests experimented with different blends and created their own whisky. At stations featuring aromatic profiles such as fruity notes, honey, vanilla, and oak, participants explored the nuances of each component while crafting a personalized blend.

Another crowd favorite was The Old Fashioned Bar, where attendees discovered which version of the classic cocktail best matched their personality. The playful, interactive twist quickly became one of the evening’s most talked-about moments.

A particularly special moment came when Dr. Emma Walker was presented with a Distinguished Guest Recognition from Miami-Dade County. The honor was presented by Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, recognizing Dr. Walker’s visit to the city and her contributions to the craft of whisky blending.

The launch marks a significant milestone for Johnnie Walker — the first new permanent expression added to its core lineup in more than 15 years. Johnnie Walker Black Cask is a rich, complex whisky crafted from specially selected whiskies and matured exclusively in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, delivering notes of creamy vanilla, caramel, gentle spice, and smooth oak.

Approachable yet sophisticated, the new expression reflects Johnnie Walker’s ongoing commitment to innovation while honoring the brand’s storied blending tradition — making its Miami debut a fitting celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and good spirits.

Last night, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden hosted Dinner Under the Palms, an intimate evening celebrating the debut of its new Garden Fellows initiative, quietly signaling the Garden’s evolution from a beloved botanical destination into a platform for cultural and intellectual exchange. The evening brought together voices from landscape design, music, neuroscience, education, and biotechnology to explore the intersection of nature, creativity, wellness, and culture.

The evening marked the debut of the Garden Fellows program, bringing together voices across landscape design, music, neuroscience, education, and biotechnology to explore how nature intersects with creativity, wellness, and culture.

Guests in attendance included: key donors, board members, cultural figures, and notable attendees such as Gloria Estefan, Gail Icahn, Emily Estefan, Claudia Potamkin, Joanne Rosen, Michelle Okadoner, Sandra Deering, Valerie Schimel, Brooke Owen, Laura Eise, Petra Levin, and Tom Healey to gather under the Garden’s canopy for a farm-to-fork dinner and conversation around the future of the institution.

The inaugural Fellows include Raymond Jungles, Emily Estefan, Jasmina Aganovic (Future Society), Andi Potamkin (The Seed School), and neuroscientist Karina Del Punta – reflecting the Garden’s broader ambition to convene leaders across disciplines whose work connects back to nature.

Piper-Heidsieck returns to the Miami Open presented by Itaú for its third consecutive year, bringing its signature red flair courtside from March 15–29. Infusing the tournament with vibrant energy, bold flavors, and celebratory Champagne moments, the iconic House toasts every serve and rally in style.

Guests can sip on favorites like Cuvée Brut, Brut Rosé, and the Riviera Edition served over ice, alongside playful cocktails and indulgent treats like Champagne floats. Beyond the pours, immersive entertainment—from live Caribbean rhythms and Latin dance to French cabaret and Marilyn Monroe–inspired glamour—brings the brand’s theatrical spirit to life.

At the Champagne Garden, elevated bites take center stage with offerings from Chèvre Miami, including gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, and the over-the-top “Golden Glizzy,” while Aubi & Ramsa adds a sweet finish with Champagne-infused sorbet.

Founded in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is one of the world’s most awarded Champagne Houses, known for its bold, creative spirit and commitment to crafting wines that “smile.” With a legacy rooted in precision, innovation, and sustainability, the House continues to blend excellence with entertainment—bringing people together across more than 80 countries in celebration.

Blending sport, culture, and indulgence, Piper-Heidsieck transforms the Miami Open into a sparkling celebration both on and off the court.

The 25th Anniversary of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival wasn’t just a milestone — it was a full-bodied, bass-thumping, truffle-scented reminder that nobody throws a food festival like Miami. And in case anyone forgot, February 22 was officially declared Lee Schrager Day, honoring the festival’s fearless founder Lee Schrager — the man who turned South Beach into the culinary capital of February.

Let’s get into the bites, the beats, and the beautiful madness.

Mike’s Amazing Burger Bash Presented by Schweid & Sons

If you didn’t leave Burger Bash with the meat sweats and a only a couple of Tums left in your pocket, did you even go? 

Under the night sky, smoke rising and grills blazing, the festival’s most carnivorous crowd gathered for the main event — and once again, Burger Bash proved why it’s the crown jewel of the week. The vibe was fun, energetic and loud and the burgers were  delicious- down to the last bite. 

Hosted by the always adorable Rachael Ray alongside Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, the stage had serious star power. And the judges’ table wasn’t playing around either: Gayle King, Ashley Graham, Bert Kreischer (yes, shirt on… we checked), and Miami’s own Matt Kuscher came ready to crown greatness. 

Judges’ Choice: Classic Done Right 

NFA Burger — tucked inside a humble Chevron station in Dunwoody, Georgia — walked away with the big win thanks to their no-frills showstopper, the Billy Burger, named after owner Billy Kramer. 

Beef patty. Mustard. Pickles. “Sassy sauce.” Martin’s Potato Roll. That’s it. 

And somehow? Absolute perfection. The NFA philosophy is simple: do one thing and do it right. The judges clearly agreed.

People’s Choice: Miami Loves a Little Drama 

Miami favorite La Birra Bar snagged the People’s Choice Award with their unapologetically extra Crispy Dubai. 

We’re talking wagyu beef patties, white American cheese, crispy onions, Argentinian chimichurri mayo, and shaved black truffle. It was rich. It was indulgent. It was the kind of burger you think about the next day… while recovering. 

Honorable Mentions (Because Choosing Is Hard) 

With so many heavy hitters, we forced ourselves to narrow it down to two that had us contemplating elastic waistbands. 

Skinny Louie’s x Samantha Schnur (@naughtyfork) – The Naughty Burger

Double wagyu smash patty. American cheese. Maple bacon onion “damn jam.” Garlic dijonnaise. Pickled jalapeños. Buttered brioche. Oh — and truffle mayo tater tots on the side. It wasn’t just a burger. It was a full-on flavor explosion. Zero regrets. 

Cowy Burger – The Cabrito

Spanish chorizo, fried sweet potato straws, honey, goat cheese, and Cowy’s signature green sauce. Sweet, savory, crispy, creamy — basically everything you want in one glorious bite. Add waffle fries and call it a win. 

Honorable Dessert Mention: Nightowl Cookies OG Sticky Rolls with Butterscotch dipping sauce. 

By the end of the night, belts were loosened, selfies were taken, and the meat sweats were very, very real. 

And honestly? We’d do it all again.

Coca-Cola Presents Tournament of Champions Hosted by Guy Fieri with a Special Performance by Rev Run

In support of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, an intimate and distinguished gathering was held in celebration of Veronica Bocelli’s birthday — honoring her leadership, elegance, and unwavering commitment to the foundation’s global humanitarian and educational initiatives.

Hosted by Alejandro Grimaldi and produced by Rose Thorn Productions, the private evening convened an esteemed circle of cultural leaders and philanthropists, including Andrea Bocelli, Veronica Bocelli, Alejandro Grimaldi, Evander Holyfield, Navan Twins, Rose Thorn, and Kavita Channé, alongside additional distinguished supporters united in advancing the foundation’s mission.

To kick off the evening’s food and wine experience, guests were welcomed through the vision and impact of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, with an inspiring performance by students from Young Musicians Unite — a powerful tribute to the transformative reach of music education.

Following this moving opening, Andrea Bocelli delivered a breathtaking performance from a magnificent Steinway & Sons grand piano, setting a tone of emotional resonance and artistic excellence.

Guests then transitioned into a refined culinary and wine experience featuring Sip Channé, signature pours of Dobel Tequila, and The Only Caviar, complemented by an elevated dining presentation by Rosa Negra.

The candlelit atmosphere felt both grand and intimate — an evening where artistry, generosity, and community converged in meaningful support of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation.

The result was a celebration that transcended a birthday — a gathering defined by purpose, legacy, and enduring impact.

Campari brought its signature aperitivo culture to Miami this March with the arrival of Campari Spritz Square, an immersive experience centered around its iconic cocktail, the Campari Spritz.

Known for its vibrant red color and distinctly bitter profile, the Campari Spritz has long been a symbol of the Italian aperitivo ritual—simple, elegant, and designed to be savored. The brand’s “Stay Bitter” message carried through the experience, encouraging a more refined, intentional way of enjoying the moment.

Following a successful debut in New York City in 2025—where tickets sold out almost immediately—Campari expanded the concept to new markets, with Miami as its next destination.

Miami Design District Takeover

From March 21–22, Campari Spritz Square took over the Miami Design District, transforming the neighborhood into a relaxed, multi-venue aperitivo experience including Avant Gallery and illesteva. Each space offered its own interpretation of the brand, blending art, retail, and hospitality into a cohesive, walkable experience.

The format was intentionally flexible—guests were able to move freely between venues, explore at their own pace, and engage with the brand in a more organic way.

At the center of the Miami activation was Torno Subito, which anchored the culinary experience throughout the weekend. 

Aperitivo, The Torno Way

The celebration began with an aperitivo-style gathering on Thursday, where the mood leaned more intimate—setting the tone ahead of the larger weekend takeover. Guests were introduced to the Campari Spritz in its most natural setting: early evening, light bites, and a rhythm that encouraged lingering rather than rushing.

What distinguished the experience was the food. A series of paired bites—thoughtfully developed by the Torno Subito culinary team under the guidance of Massimo Bottura—complemented the bitterness and brightness of the spritz. The menu reflected Bottura’s signature balance of tradition and playfulness, translating classic Italian aperitivo flavors into something more contemporary and tailored to Miami.

Sunday Brunch, Reimagined

By Sunday, the experience shifted into a more relaxed daytime format. The brunch at Torno Subito offered a continuation of the aperitivo concept, reinterpreted through a late-morning lens.

Guests returned for a seated experience that included Campari Spritz pairings alongside a bespoke menu of bites—again created by the Torno team with Bottura’s influence guiding the direction. The approach remained consistent: simple in format, but precise in execution, with each element designed to complement the cocktail rather than compete with it.

Across both moments, Torno Subito reinforced the essence of aperitivo culture—less about a single drink or dish, and more about the experience of slowing down, socializing, and letting the evening (or afternoon) unfold naturally.

Looking Ahead

Campari Spritz Square will continue its expansion with a stop in Los Angeles this June, bringing the same concept to Silver Lake.

The Campari Spritz

At the center of it all was the Campari Spritz—straightforward and balanced.

Ingredients

• 2 parts Campari

• 3 parts Prosecco

• 1 part soda water

• Ice

• Orange slice

Method

• Build over ice in a wine glass

• Garnish with a fresh orange slice