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)
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2025
At Casa Gianna golden-hour cocktails, flawless service, and unforgettable pasta make every meal feel like a celebration.
Tucked inside the chic Gale Miami Hotel and Residences, brings a touch of Italian glamour to the heart of Downtown Miami, with its golden glow, elegant bar, impeccable service — and a vibe that hits that perfect note between sophisticated and social.
The moment you walk in, you feel it: the hum of conversation drifting from the marble bar, the smooth rhythm of clinking martini glasses, the warmth of a team that knows exactly what hospitality means. The management here sets the tone — gracious, polished, and genuinely attentive — the kind of service that turns dinner into an experience.
The dishes are generous, flavorful, and unapologetically delicious. The fennel meatballs are pure perfection — tender, saucy, with just enough fennel to supercharge the taste. The grilled octopus arrives well-charred , smoky and soft, brushed with olive oil and lemon. For something rich and decadent, the Pappardelle a la Rosa de Ricotta: lemon pappardelle with pistachio and truffle cream is a star — velvety ribbons of pasta layered with indulgence and just enough brightness to balance it out. For the main we recommend the pistachio-crusted lamb chops- cooked to perfection and simply outstanding.
The dinner menu as a whole is indulgence done right: chicken parm that’s crisp and comforting, several specialty home-made pasta dishes and a number of wood-fired pizzas that bridge Italian tradition and Miami flair. For those craving something heartier, the steak selections impress with prime cuts grilled to order. The branzino and other seasonal fish dishes bring a lighter touch, as do the specialty salads. The menu moves effortlessly from simple to refined.
Casa Gianna is glamorous without trying too hard — a restaurant that makes you want to stay for dessert and maybe one more round.
Aperitivo Hour: Italian Tradition
The bar alone is worth a visit — a gleaming statement of style and substance, with spritzes, Negronis, and cocktails crafted with precision. It’s the ideal setting for a pre-dinner drink, a post-work rendezvous, or an entire evening spent at the counter, soaking in the scene.
Weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. (4 to 6 p.m. on Fridays), aperitivo hour brings an authentic slice of Italy to Downtown. Expect well-priced wines, handcrafted cocktails, and small bites designed for grazing and gossip. It’s effortlessly cool — a place to unwind, flirt, and fall in love with the art of lingering.
When night falls, Casa Gianna becomes cinematic — candle-lit tables, glimmering wine glasses, and the kind of energy that makes for a fantastic evening.
Brunch: La Dolce Morning
Weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Casa Gianna transforms into a sunlit sanctuary of leisure. Think golden-hour lighting, laid-back elegance, and a menu that celebrates Italian comfort. Guests are encouraged to relax and sip espresso martinis and Mimosas, savoring dishes like eggs al forno, crisp salads, and — of course — those signature meatballs that somehow taste even better before noon.
With its flawless dishes, magnetic atmosphere, and genuine hospitality, Casa Gianna is more than just a dining destination— it’s an experience. The kind that lingers long after the last sip of limoncello.
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.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 30 - 2025
This October, ¡Salud! will spotlight Miami’s vibrant cocktail scene with a month-long lineup of drink specials and events in the city’s most lively neighborhoods. The series will kick off with three happy hours for ¡Salud! members, featuring complimentary cocktails while supplies last: Wednesday, October 1st at Dead Flamingo, Thursday, October 2nd at ViceVersa from 5 to 7 PM, and Friday, October 3rd at Brother’s Keeper from 5 to 7 PM.
The series is designed to bring locals together to revisit local bars for a drink, offering affordable, high-quality cocktails, neighborhood-centered experiences, and a citywide sense of community. To attend, guests must register on the ¡Salud! website, which provides access to the bar directory, a guide to the featured cocktails throughout the month, and the full calendar of programming and events for the ¡Salud! community.
In its first year, ¡Salud! will team up with Miami’s top bars and emerging hotspots to offer month-long drink deals, memorable nights highlighting expertly made cocktails, and neighborhood adventures. Focusing on affordability and accessibility, ¡Salud! aims to invite everyone back to the bar, showcasing those who shake it, move it, and celebrate it.
The team behind ¡Salud! is deeply connected to Miami’s hospitality landscape: Gabriel Urrutia is a nationally recognized spirits educator and award-winning author known for promoting Miami’s bar scene; Joshua Wagner is a seasoned hospitality executive who has launched and advised some of South Florida’s most talked-about venues; and POPLIFE, a brand experience agency headquartered in Miami, has curated some of the city’s most celebrated cultural and nightlife experiences.
POPLIFE has been a part of great moments across Miami for many years. When Josh and Gabe approached us with the idea behind ¡Salud!, it felt like a natural opportunity to get involved,” says LP Steele, POPLIFE CEO. “It’s a chance for us to co-create a community-focused initiative with the team and a number of great brand sponsors, inviting Miamians to come together and socialize at the best bars in town. Our mantra is, ‘Life’s Better with Friends,’ and this is our invitation to join us, celebrate the Miami cocktail scene, and make new friends.”
Supported by top spirits brands like 400 Conejos Mezcal, Aperol, Cointreau, Del Maguey Mezcal, Diplomatico Rum, Espolon Tequila, Fords Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Mount Gay Rum, Peroni, Patron Tequila, Santa Teresa Rum, and Westland Whiskey, ¡Salud! will showcase signature cocktails and exclusive creations designed specifically for the series, offering guests the chance to experience Miami’s best bartending talent. Additional sponsors include Google, Virgin Voyages, Toast, Filthy Foods, Sweat 440, and Anatomy gym.
¡Salud! participants include the following:
Aguasal by José Andrés
American Social
ARCANO – Sabores de Esencia Hispana
Bar Centro by José Andrés
Basement Bowl & Skate
Bay Club
Bayshore Club
Beauty & the Butcher
Blackbird Ordinary
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Broken Shaker
Brother’s Keeper Bar
Catch Miami
Contessa Ristorante
Dante’s HiFi
DiLido Beach Bar
Dirty French Steakhouse
Drift
Fox’s Lounge
Ghee Wynwood
Glass & Vine
Gramps Getaway
Joia Beach
Kaori
Kill Your Idol
Lapidus
La Otra Wynwood
Las Rosas
Le Jardinier
Lost Boy Dry Goods
Lost Weekend
Lucali
Magie Wine Bar
Mama Tried
Maple & Ash
Matador Bar
Medium Cool Cocktail Lounge
Mi Chini
Paya
Ray’s Hometown Bar
River House Wine & Bar
Stiltsville Fish Bar
Stubborn Seed
Sunny’s Steakhouse
Sweet Liberty
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery
Tacombi
The Corner
The Scapegoat
The Shelbourne
The Sylvester
The Tips Golf
Tipsy Flamingo
Tomorrowland
Tropezon
Tropicalia
ViceVersa
Zaytinya
For more information on ¡Salud! and details about each partner, please visit www.salud-miami.com.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 23 - 2025
Photo Credit: Richard Sandoval Hospitality
Chef Richard Sandoval is once again bringing his renowned Día de los Muertos celebration to Toro Toro, the Pan-Latin steakhouse at the InterContinental Miami. From October 1 through November 3, guests can feast on a month-long sensory journey that honors Sandoval’s Mexican heritage and blurs the line between the living and the spiritual.
This year’s theme is all about the moon—a powerful symbol of cycles, memory, and connection in Latin culture. The restaurant will be serving an exclusive, a la carte menu of culturally significant dishes and cocktails inspired by the moon’s phases.
Dishes include the Pozole De Langosta ($54), featuring lobster, hominy corn, and guajillo chili, and the Ofrenda De Cempasúchil ($57), with tender lamb, purple potato mash, and a smoky chipotle hibiscus sauce. For a sweet finale, indulge in the Calabaza En Tacha ($24), a slow-cooked candied squash with cinnamon ice cream.
To complement the meal, sip on specialty cocktails like the Mythic Essence ($20), a blend of Sotol, tangerine, and honey, or the Moon’s Embrace ($22), with Mexican whiskey, bourbon, and notes of coffee and rose.
Reservations are highly encouraged through OpenTable and at torotoromiami.com.
Toro Toro Miami is located at the InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza.
There’s a new must-visit spot in Brickell—and it’s bringing serious flavor with a side of soul. Welcome to TAP Brickell, the vibrant new café that stands for Tapioca Sandwiches, Açaí Bowls, and Pão de Queijo—and serves up a fresh take on Brazilian comfort food with a wellness-forward twist.
Founded on a deep love for Brazil’s culinary roots, TAP is all about real ingredients, bold flavors, and feel-good vibes. The menu is stacked with tasty choices: egg wraps, paninis, smoothies, fresh juices, and rich Brazilian coffee—all made with care and crafted to energize.
But let’s talk signatures. TAP’s Tapioca Sandwiches—made with cassava flour imported straight from Brazil—are naturally gluten-free and totally crave-worthy. They put a Brazilian spin on American favorites, like the BaconEggNCheese or Chicken Club, with a texture that’s both crisp and chewy.
Then there’s the Pão de Queijo, Brazil’s beloved cheese bread, baked in-house with a special blend of mozzarella, Swiss, and parmesan. Available in three flavors—traditional, spicy, and pesto—these warm, cheesy bites are basically irresistible.
The Açaí Bowls are another star. Sourced sustainably from the Amazon rainforest (yes, really), the açaí is rich, smooth, and loaded with antioxidants. Toppings include homemade vegan granola, coconut flakes, cocoa nibs, chia seeds, passion fruit, mango, strawberries, bananas, and blueberries. It’s the kind of bowl you eat with your camera first.
TAP is led by brothers Pedro and Cleo Uchôa, who bring their Rio de Janeiro roots—and a shared passion for Brazilian food—to every detail.
Their commitment to quality goes beyond food. TAP’s motto, “Eat Well, Do Good, Live Better,” is reflected in its eco-conscious mission. The restaurant uses biodegradable PLA cups, prioritizes sustainable sourcing, and collaborates with local partners to give back to both the Miami and Brazilian communities.
The space is as much a cultural experience as it is a café. From hand-painted palm fronds and oversized umbrellas outside, to vibrant murals inside by Brazilian graffiti artist Acme (@universoacme), every detail invites guests into Brazil’s colorful world. The walls are also adorned with stunning photographs by visual artist Nino Franco (@ninofrancoo), showcasing everything from sun-drenched beaches to lush jungles. A striking green wall over rustic brick, Brazilian music, and complimentary Wi-Fi complete the atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a power breakfast, post-workout fuel, or your new favorite neighborhood spot, TAP delivers with warmth, flavor, and flair.
TAP Brickell is located at 1250 S Miami Avenue, #105, open daily from 8am to 8pm. To explore the full menu and learn more, visit tapnyc.com or follow @eat_tap on Instagram.
