By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

South Florida’s culinary scene is as multicultural as its residents and visitors. Over the past several years, the ethnic food that forms part of daily life in Miami—the Cuban ventanita, Chinese takeout, the rare but occa­sional Jewish deli, neighborhood Italian joint—has risen to a new and exciting level. Every day, restaurateurs and chefs are making new strides with remarkable entries into the market. While this proliferation reflects the evolution of South Florida’s multicultural population, it is also the result of experimental diners who are seeking an elevated dining experience, beyond a traditional, authen­tic cultural meal.

“There has never been a better time to be a food lover in South Florida,” Larry Carrino, president of Brustman Carrino Public Relations, proudly avers. “For food enthusiasts, it’s a great time to be here—we have everything at our fingertips.” Carrino explains that twenty years ago, before culture and media (which are inextri­cably linked) influenced the food scene in Miami, his former busi­ness partner, Susan Brustman, would joke about having to go home to New York to get a good meal. The food culture that started in the 80s has grown leaps and bounds. Restaurants of note have become interesting, beyond just putting out good food. In the 80s, options were basic. In the recent past, chefs and their food have become precise, delivering an elevated dining experience.  Read the rest of this entry »

Juniper on the Water, a hidden gem located off of the Intracoastal Waterway, offers diners an unforgettable view and a unique ambience. Whether looking to hear great live music, catch a glimpse of the romantic Intracoastal waterfront, or enjoying the elegant dining room inside, Juniper on the Water will surpass all expectations.

About a year ago, owners Scott, Sho and Chris put their heads together and transformed an industry passion into reality. Juniper, meaning strength and “to bloom or flourish”, symbolizes the vision, heart and culinary passion combined by the owners. Read the rest of this entry »

Gigi Hadid in Tommy Hilfiger

New York Fashion Week spring/summer 2016 embraced new, at times unconventional, venues and eclectic designer collections as varied as the designers themselves, whose inspiration came from all parts of the globe.

Tommy Hilfiger recreated the Caribbean for his island-inspired show by transforming a bare NYC warehouse into an island oasis, complete with a beachside boardwalk that wound around an ankle-deep pool of water which models splashed through. A Tibetan monk stunned guests at the Hudson River Pier 26 in Tribeca, for Givenchy’s unforgettable runway show with the World Trade Center’s Freedom Tower as its backdrop on 9/11. The label commissioned artist Marina Abramovic to stage the dramatic show which paid tribute to those lost 14 years ago on that tragic day. Opening Ceremony put on a play, written by Spike Jonze and Jonah Hill, which starred Elle Fanning, Karlie Kloss, and Rashida Jones to showcase its spring looks and Marc Jacobs, never to be outdone, presented his “One Night Only” show in New York’s famed Ziegfeld Theater.

The more common trends included: white button-down shirts, among the most accessible and affordable trends for spring; skirts and dresses with high slits cut “up to there,” vibrant colors and island prints; 1970s styles; warm hues and common neutrals as well as monochromatic looks and lots and lots of stripes. Models donned little if any make-up and loose, care-free hairstyles in most of the shows. Some of our favorite looks for Miami’s year-round summer are highlighted below. Read the rest of this entry »

6th Annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

While Miami Art Week is as much about the art of the party as it is about taking in one-of-a-kind works from around the world, this year, gale force winds and torrential rain added a new dimension of challenges for those artfully negotiating a month’s worth of activities and events into every day and evening for a week straight. In addition to Art Basel and it dozens of satellite fairs, several elegant events elevated Miami Art Week this year, providing opportunities for engaging discussions, networking, dining, cocktailing, celebrity sightings and, of course, dancing.

Read the rest of this entry »

Don’t Miss: Art Basel 2015

TALDE Miami Beach
Thompson Miami Beach’s new Asian-American neighborhood restaurant and bar, TALDE Miami Beach, celebrates Art Basel on Thursday, December 3, with the launch of its new Late Night Noodles menu crafted by star chef/restaurateur Dale Talde. Sure to be the go-to spot after hours, the special menu and an accompanying happy hour will be available every Thursday through Saturday, from 2:00 a.m. until 4 a.m. Special for Art Basel, TALDE will also feature a DJ line-up featuring hometown and visiting acts, including the New York-based G Brown (Thursday, Dec. 3); John McSwain (Friday, Dec. 4); and PaseRock of Peachfuzz (Saturday, Dec. 5).

Fun at Libertine

Newcomer Libertine has stolen the downtown scene with a nightly mix of music curated by Michelle Leshem ranging from Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, Blondie, old school hip hop or to new and underground sounds of indie dance including Cut Cupy, Aeroplane, Holy Ghost! to modern disco and deep house late night. This hybrid spot turns from a bar to an intimate dance floor with an interior harkening back to the glamorously decayed watering holes of turn of the century London. Libertine’s interior features eclectic décor like a floor covered in thousands of pennies, easy leather sofas, a DJ booth fashioned from a re-purposed Baby Grand piano and an expansive cocktail bar featuring a comprehensive mixology program. With opening hours from 10pm till whenever (located in Miami’s 24 hour district) you will be sure to get your dose of debauchery as you rub shoulders with some of Miami’s favorite gatekeepers for a back to not so basics good time. Read the rest of this entry »

Little Havana hotspot, Ball & Chain, simultaneously celebrated its 80th and first birthdays with a three day music festival during Labor Day weekend. The world famous live music venue has made its mark among nightlife and music lovers thanks to its exciting programming- including live jazz, top performing artists and our favorite: the Saturday night Pachanga- which features a live, 12-piece Cuban band that would make Ricky Ricardo proud. On any given night- you will find a lively crowd enjoying one-of-a-kind cocktails, accompanied by unique bites in the gorgeous and nostalgic space.

Ball & Chain, originally a live jazz lounge on Calle Ocho was open from September 1935 until the 1950s. It was reopened and remastered last September by nightlife impresario Zack Bush, his brother, Ben Bush and their childhood friend Bill Fuller, of the Barlington Group. Read the rest of this entry »