Archive for the ‘Don’t Miss’ Category

Art, Sunshine, and Good Vibes: The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Turns 61

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On February - 2 - 2025

Get ready for a creative explosion in the Grove. For 61 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival has been the place to experience world-class art, live music, and interactive fun. It’s not just a festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the sheer joy of art.

Wander along the scenic Bayfront and discover hundreds of artists showcasing their talents across multiple visual categories. With 285 juried artists, you’re sure to find a masterpiece that speaks to you. But the CGAF is more than just an art show- it’s a champion for emerging artists. For 61 years, this Presidents’ Day Weekend bash has supported scholarships and programs that nurture creativity, making a real difference in the South Florida arts community.

Festival Highlights (aka Things You Absolutely Can’t Miss):

  • Rock Out: Live music at Peacock Park, courtesy of Hard Rock & Guitar Hotel Stacks! Get ready to groove.
  • Art & Drafts: Wynwood Brewery brews + live artistry = pure genius. Sip and be inspired.
  • Get Creative: Unleash your inner artist at Regatta Park. It’s time to get hands-on!
  • Kid Zone: Home Depot’s Creative Corner is where the magic happens. Let the little ones explore their artistic side.
  • Young Collectors: Kids can buy real art for just $5! It’s the perfect way to start a lifelong love of collecting.
  • VIP Treatment: Collectors Club tickets = open bar, bites, and AC. Need we say more? Indulge in the ultimate festival experience.
    This year, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is turning 61 and throwing a party – with art! Think interactive experiences that’ll unleash your inner Picasso, and enough deliciousness to satisfy any craving. It’s the perfect Presidents’ Day Weekend getaway. Join the fun, explore the incredible art, and make a difference by supporting future artists.
  • https://cgaf.com
    Snag your tickets and get the details at cgaf.com! see you in the Grove!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: SOBEWFF Returns for its 24th Year

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On January - 22 - 2025

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and mingle with the stars at the iconic South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF).

This four-day extravaganza, which returns for its 24th year from February 20-23, has grown far beyond its South Beach roots, spreading its culinary magic across Miami’s Design District, Wynwood, and Coconut Grove.

Imagine a gourmet playground teeming with over 500 celebrity chefs, renowned personalities, and beverage wizards. From Rachael Ray rocking the 18th annual Mike’s Amazing® Burger Bash to Aarón Sánchez sizzling up the hottest tacos at Tacos & Tequila, SOBEWFF promises an unforgettable foodie adventure.

But the delicious adventures don’t stop there. Dive into intimate brunches, masterclasses, and exclusive dinners, or bring the whole family for special events. Feeling festive? Late-night parties await. Whether you crave intimate culinary conversations or a grand tasting extravaganza with 1,200+ delectable samples spread across 135,000 square feet at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village, SOBEWFF caters to every palate and party mood. 

Speaking of the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village- it ranks among our favorite activations of the weekend. Imagine a daytime dance party with your 1000 closest friends right on the sand… but with a twist. The culinary playground features live cooking demos from Food Network stars, 1,200+ food and drink samples, and unforgettable concert experiences curated by the brilliant minds behind Groot Hospitality and Only in Dade. Get ready to groove and graze as Ultra meets the SOBEWFF.

The best part is that each bite you savor supports a worthy cause. 100% of the festival’s net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, a top-ranked program shaping the future stars of the industry. So raise a glass (or fork!) to good food, good company, and giving back at this epicurean extravaganza!Tickets are just a click away at SOBEWFF2025.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Miami’s most fun, creative and elaborate culinary happening.

TINA- the Tina Turner Musical is Simply the Best

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On January - 17 - 2025

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical isn’t just a show, it’s an electrifying explosion of raw talent, undeniable grit, and pure, unadulterated ROCK ‘N’ ROLL! Witness the legendary comeback story of the Queen herself, as she rises from the ashes to become an icon.

With a soundtrack that will have you dancing in the aisles, this show is a non-stop thrill ride. 12 Grammy Awards? Check. Millions of screaming fans? You betcha. More concert tickets sold than any other solo artist in history? Absolutely!

Get ready to feel the heat, hear the thunder, and experience the power of Tina Turner like never before. This ain’t no ordinary musical, folks. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the unstoppable force of a woman who refused to be silenced.

Warning: Contains adult themes, loud music, strobe lighting, haze, simulated gunshots, and strong language.

Dates: January 14th – 19th, 2025

Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center 

Run Time: 3 Hours of Pure Dynamite (with a 20-minute intermission)

Parental Guide: Ages 14+ 

Price: $35-$155 (Worth every penny!)

For more information, visit: https://www.arshtcenter.org

Salt & Straw Free Scoop in Honor of Winter Solstice

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On December - 19 - 2024

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.

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Kiwanis’ Every Child Has a Dream Gala

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 Officially Opens at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co.

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On December - 12 - 2024


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.