Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On January - 22 - 2026
An Evening of Compassion, the inaugural signature fundraising event for the Hope For Animals Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless, injured and endangered animals, will host its inaugural event on January 27. Join community leaders, partners, and animal advocates at Toku Modern Asian to raise critical funds and awareness for animal welfare—while also supporting families facing hardship who are struggling to care for their beloved pets.
Guests will enjoy an elevated cocktail-style experience featuring meaningful connections, raffles, and impactful storytelling centered on compassion, collaboration, and community impact.
InterContinental Miami is turning up the volume in the 305 with the debut of ICON Live: A Monthly Music Series, inviting locals and visitors to soak in Miami’s rhythm under the stars. Beginning this month, every third Thursday from 7PM to 9PM, the hotel’s chic outdoor Picante Terrace transforms into a vibrant live‑music lounge overlooking the glittering Biscayne Bay.
Created as a tribute to Miami’s dynamic homegrown music scene, ICON Live brings together music lovers for an evening of high‑energy performances, handcrafted cocktails, and unbeatable waterfront vibes.
The series kicks off on Thursday, January 22, in partnership with KISS Country 99.9, featuring a special performance by Orlando Mendez, the Miami‑born Cuban country artist who stole hearts on NBC’s The Voice (Season 22). Expect Mendez to bring the heat—blending country soul with Miami spice for a night that promises pure fun and unforgettable energy.
The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30PM, and guests can enjoy exclusive giveaways from KISS Country 99.9. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Attendees must be 21+, and Eventbrite tickets with QR codes are required for entry.
Music lovers can also mark their calendars for upcoming ICON Live dates on February 19 and March 19, each offering its own unique experience.
InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami. To reserve your spot, visit: www.icmiamihotel.com/IconLive
Follow along:
Facebook:www.facebook.com/intercontinentalMiami/ (facebook.com in Bing) www.facebook.com/ToroToroMiami (facebook.com in Bing)
Instagram:www.instagram.com/interconmiami/ (instagram.com in Bing) www.instagram.com/torotoromiami/ (instagram.com in Bing)
Bulla Gastrobar is giving winter comfort food a bold Spanish twist. Beginning Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Centurion Restaurant Group’s beloved Spanish dining destination will debut a limited-time winter menu, thoughtfully crafted by Culinary Director Felix Plasencia and designed to warm up Florida’s coolest months.
This seasonal lineup blends cozy flavors with Bulla’s signature creativity. Standout dishes include Caldo Gallego, a hearty Galician soup layered with chorizo, spinach, white alubias, and smoky pork shank, and Huevos Cabreados, a fiery favorite featuring eggs, shrimp, crispy shoestring potatoes, brava sauce, and paprika.
Adding even more Spanish flair, Mushrooms con Chorizo delivers bold, savory bites—chorizo paired with cremini mushrooms, mozzarella, garlic brisket sauce, and a crusty baguette perfect for soaking up every last drop. Meat lovers will gravitate toward the Mallorcan-Style Lamb, braised low and slow for four hours and served with piquillo confit, garlic chips, and patatas panaderas.
Vegetable-forward diners won’t be disappointed either. The new Brussels Sprouts dish balances nutty, earthy flavors with sweet maple syrup, a hint of red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, and smoky Spanish paprika, all topped with crispy shoestring potatoes. For dessert, Cheesecake de Maracuyá steals the spotlight—a silky passion fruit cheesecake that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
Raising a glass to the season, Bulla also introduces a new cocktail: the Coconut Margarita, a tropical blend of Brugal 1888, tequila, coconut cream, lime, pineapple juice, and simple syrup.
Available for a limited time only, Bulla Gastrobar’s winter menu celebrates the flavors of the season with dishes worth savoring—making now the perfect time to plan a visit before these offerings disappear.
WHEN & WHERE
Bulla Gastrobar Coral Gables 2500 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL
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)
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.
