As anticipation builds for the Miami Grand Prix, luxury spirits brand Belvedere Vodka is joining the celebration with a limited-edition release that captures the energy, style, and spectacle of race weekend.
Belvedere Organic Vodka stands as a benchmark in the world of premium spirits. Produced in Poland’s longest-operating vodka distillery, founded in 1910, the brand draws on over 600 years of Polish vodka-making tradition. Its Master Rye Distillers transform 100% organic Polish rye into a spirit known for both structure and elegance.
Crafted with purified water and distilled by fire, the vodka offers a refined tasting profile—subtle notes of almond and vanilla layered with a touch of white pepper, finishing with a smooth, velvety texture. It’s a balance of heritage and precision that defines the Belvedere name.
Timed with Miami race week, the Belvedere Organic Vodka F1® Limited Edition Bottle brings Formula 1 flair into the world of luxury spirits. Inspired by the visual language of the track, the bottle features dynamic circuit detailing and signature race cues that mirror the speed and excitement of the sport.
More than just a bottle, it’s a collectible—designed to stand out whether on display or at the center of a race-day gathering.
With Miami transforming into a global hub of entertainment during Grand Prix week, this limited-edition release is positioned to appear everywhere the action is—rooftop parties, private events, and at-home viewing experiences alike.
It’s a natural fit for a weekend where motorsport meets luxury lifestyle, offering fans a way to bring a piece of the excitement into their own celebrations.
The Belvedere Organic Vodka F1® Limited Edition Bottle is available now at select retailers nationwide.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On April - 22 - 2026
The velvet ropes at 2000 Collins Avenue officially parted on April 17, marking the arrival of Leonardo—a debut that was as spectacularly generous as it was impeccably styled. Leonardo’s grand opening fete set itself apart with an air of genuine, old-world abundance. From the first pour of the top-shelf open bar to the meticulously dressed crowd that filled the room, the evening felt like a high-society dinner party where the hosts truly cared that every glass remained full and every guest felt like the center of the universe.
The 4,500-square-foot destination captures the essence of lingering, soulful Italian dinners, bringing that spirit to the heart of Miami Beach. The space feels like a cinematic set from the 1930s- deep green walls and warm, aged wood finishes create an intimate, moody backdrop, while ornate chandeliers cast a golden glow over a collection of Leonardo da Vinci-inspired artwork that pays homage to the restaurant’s namesake.
The culinary experience, led by Tuscan-born Executive Chef Andrea Albanese, is a masterclass in theatrical indulgence. While the menu boasts a robust raw bar and refined starters like Beef Carpaccio with 36-month Parmigiano-Reggiano, the undisputed star of the night was the Fettuccine alla Leonardo. In a display of pure culinary decadence, the pasta was finished inside a massive wheel of Parmesan before being topped with a lavish, aromatic cascade of freshly shaved truffles—a gesture of luxury that perfectly mirrored the generosity of the evening. Other highlights, like the flambéed whole branzino and the succulent Linguine Aragosta with Maine lobster, ensured that the table remained the focal point of the night.
As the clock struck 10:30 p.m., the energy underwent a masterfully executed shift directed by co-owner Mehdi Vanden Broeck. Known for his fingerprints on Miami icons like Kiki on the River and Bagatelle, Vanden Broeck oversaw a transition where the dining room’s sophisticated hum evolved into a vibrant late-night spectacle. The evening reached a fever pitch with the arrival of world-class entertainment; a mesmerizing fire dancer commanded the floor with hypnotic precision, while a live singer—who was a dead ringer for Michael Bublé—serenaded the room with soulful, swing-era classics that had the crowd swaying between courses.
The cocktail program further cemented the night’s inventive spirit, featuring standout sips like the pancetta-washed Italian Old-Fashioned and the floral Hibiscus martini. Whether guests were lingering over a Tomato Peach Negroni or dancing amidst the sparklers and champagne, the sentiment remained the same: Leonardo is a rare return to the ritual of the long, luxurious meal. Open for dinner throughout the week with late-night hours stretching until 3 a.m. on peak nights, Leonardo has officially claimed its stake as the new epicenter of Miami Beach’s social scene, where the hospitality is as rich as the truffles.
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.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On April - 6 - 2026
In a city that thrives on spectacle, something truly transportive stood apart. Enter illy’s Art of Dining—a year-long series designed to bring coffee into the heart of fine dining, where every detail is intentional and every moment unfolds with quiet precision.
The debut took place in Miami at Boia De, the Michelin-starred dining room known for feeling more like an intimate gathering than a traditional restaurant. That energy defined the evening. Guests moved together through the experience, each course arriving in rhythm, creating a shared cadence that felt both elevated and warmly familiar—like a family dinner shaped by extraordinary talent.
The menu revealed itself as a study in balance and craftsmanship. It began with a foie gras terrine—silken, composed, and richly layered—followed by a bright, delicately dressed fish crudo that brought clarity and contrast. From there, the evening unfolded into handmade pastas: celeriac agnolotti, refined and earthy, and ricotta gnocchi, light yet deeply satisfying, each dish reflecting precision and intention.
The main course, a coffee-rubbed porchetta, served as a defining moment—an expression of illy’s versatility, where coffee moved seamlessly into the language of the plate. Dessert carried that same sense of cohesion, with a crispy tiramisu offering texture and depth, followed by raspberries and cream that delivered a fresh, elegant finish.
Each course was paired with curated wines, selected to mirror the progression of the menu and enhance the overall experience. The pairings moved in harmony with the dishes, creating a seamless dialogue between glass and plate that elevated every moment.
At the center of it all was illy—our favorite for its consistency, depth, and unmistakable refinement. Its presence was felt throughout the evening as a unifying thread, bringing cohesion to an already masterfully composed experience.
The Art of Dining series, rooted in illy’s Chef Ambassador program, brings together globally celebrated chefs who approach coffee with the same discipline and creativity as their cuisine. In Miami, that philosophy came to life through a dinner defined by connection, artistry, and a shared sense of purpose.
As Cristian Arcangeli shares, the focus is on creating meaningful, immersive experiences—moments that engage every sense and leave a lasting impression. It’s a philosophy that resonates throughout the evening, where flavor, atmosphere, and connection come together in perfect harmony.
“Gastronomy and fine dining have always been at the heart of illy, but at its core, our brand is about creating memorable experiences,” said Cristian Arcangeli, VP of Marketing & Digital. “In an increasingly digital world, we see real-life experiences as the most powerful way to create authentic connections, where people can truly engage with our brand through all their senses. Through this immersive dining series, we are bringing illy into a new dimension—where every detail, from flavor to atmosphere, is designed to engage the senses and elevate the experience. In collaboration with some of the world’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs, we are crafting moments that blend taste, culture, and atmosphere into something truly memorable. Because ultimately, it’s these lived experiences that define luxury, build emotional connection, and stay with our guests long after the moment has passed.”
“I’m very excited to be a part of this fantastic program that brings together best-in-class gastronomy with illy’s extraordinary coffee,” said Chef Rupert Blease. “Being a part of the illy Chef Ambassador program has illustrated that the level of detail and care that goes into each illy coffee blend is akin to how I would craft a meal. It was a true joy to be able to create my own personal blend with illy and I look forward to seeing people experience it within my custom tasting menu. Coffee can be more than just a morning ritual, it’s a true culinary experience.”
As the series continues to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco—with chefs like Rupert Blease developing bespoke tasting menus—it carries forward this same spirit: collaborative, immersive, and deeply considered.
At its core, Art of Dining is about gathering—around a table, within a moment, and across a shared appreciation for craft. And anchoring it all is illy: refined, expressive, and unforgettable.
For more information, visit illy and follow @illy_us on social platforms for upcoming dates, chef collaborations, and ticket availability.
Tucked away in Coconut Grove, Si Papa is a small, candlelit Italian neighborhood gem—intentionally simple, with no menu and no distractions, just lasagna done right.
We arrived around 6:30 p.m. on a Saturday to beat the crowds and were greeted by two servers in the cozy, compact space. Seating is limited (about 24 seats), which gives the restaurant an intimate, almost speakeasy-like feel. We grabbed seats at the bar and ordered right away.
My husband chose the bolognese, while I went with the vegetarian (pesto, peas, and green beans). Both were rich, comforting, and absolutely worth the hype. As more patrons trickled in—waiting patiently for tables—the lively Italian playlist added to the warm, inviting atmosphere.
We ended the night with their homemade tiramisu, the perfect excuse to linger just a little longer and soak in the ambiance.
Come hungry and leave full. With a cozy vibe, honest pricing (lasagna is around $15), and great value, it’s easy to see the appeal. The intimate wine bar keeps things focused, serving only Chef Rossi’s signature “Si Papa” lasagna, a curated selection of about a dozen Italian wines, and a decadent tiramisu.
Si Papa 3190 Commodore Plaza Miami, FL 33133
Founded by the team behind Cotoletta and San Lorenzo.
