by: Maryanne Salvat

Our visit to La Birra Bar Doral was the perfect way to spice up an otherwise ordinary Wednesday evening. The vibe? Casual, upbeat, and incredibly inviting for all ages. Whether you’re out with friends, on a date, or bringing the whole family, it’s the kind of place where everyone instantly feels at home. Guests flowed in steadily, and the irresistible aroma of sizzling Black Angus burgers filled the air—an instant mood booster.

We kicked things off with The Golden—juicy Black Angus Argentinian beef patties layered with American cheese, diced red onions, and their signature secret mayo. On the side: crispy sweet potato fries (a must), paired with chimichurri, mayo, and a hint of black truffle. Let’s just say… it was borderline out-of-body.

Meanwhile, others at the table went for the award-winning Crispy Dubai Burger—and yes, it lives up to the hype. Made with 100% Argentinian beef, white cheddar, La Birra Bar’s signature crispy onions, and a decadent house dressing featuring their family-recipe chimichurri, mayo, and a touch of black truffle, all on a freshly baked artisan bun. Every bite hits that perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and juicy.

Of course, we couldn’t skip dessert. Chocolate milkshakes and a warm brownie topped with vanilla ice cream made their way to the table—because… it’s Wednesday, and we’re calling it a cheat day.

Where to Find Them in South Florida

If you’re craving this burger magic, you can visit La Birra Bar Doral, La Birra Bar North Miami Beach, La Birra Bar Fort Lauderdale, La Birra Bar Weston, and La Birra Bar Wynwood—making it easy to get your fix no matter where you are in South Florida.

Why Everyone’s Talking About La Birra Bar

Founded in Argentina in 2001 by Daniel Cocchia, La Birra Bar started as a humble neighborhood burger spot in Boedo, Buenos Aires. Today, it’s grown into one of the most awarded burger brands in the world, known for its commitment to quality, creativity, and fully artisanal ingredients.

And the accolades keep coming. The brand’s Crispy Dubai Burger was crowned Overall Winner at the Inaugural Dubai Burger Championship, beating out top contenders from around the globe. Even more impressive? It also took home top honors at the 2026 Burger Bash during the South Beach Wine and Food Festival—and we were there to witness it.

Safe to say, this isn’t just hype—it’s well-earned.

Miami’s tastemakers gathered for an evening of spirited sophistication as Johnnie Walker unveiled its newest permanent innovation, Johnnie Walker Black Cask, during an intimate celebration at Amazónico Miami.

Part of a multi-market U.S. tour, the evening welcomed local bartenders, media, and influencers for a closer look at the art and science of blending with Master Blender Dr. Emma Walker. Guests explored the layered character of the whisky while learning how the blend bridges two traditions — combining the bold personality of American whiskey with the craftsmanship and blending heritage of Scotland.

One of the highlights of the night was the Blender’s Lab, an interactive space where guests experimented with different blends and created their own whisky. At stations featuring aromatic profiles such as fruity notes, honey, vanilla, and oak, participants explored the nuances of each component while crafting a personalized blend.

Another crowd favorite was The Old Fashioned Bar, where attendees discovered which version of the classic cocktail best matched their personality. The playful, interactive twist quickly became one of the evening’s most talked-about moments.

A particularly special moment came when Dr. Emma Walker was presented with a Distinguished Guest Recognition from Miami-Dade County. The honor was presented by Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, recognizing Dr. Walker’s visit to the city and her contributions to the craft of whisky blending.

The launch marks a significant milestone for Johnnie Walker — the first new permanent expression added to its core lineup in more than 15 years. Johnnie Walker Black Cask is a rich, complex whisky crafted from specially selected whiskies and matured exclusively in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, delivering notes of creamy vanilla, caramel, gentle spice, and smooth oak.

Approachable yet sophisticated, the new expression reflects Johnnie Walker’s ongoing commitment to innovation while honoring the brand’s storied blending tradition — making its Miami debut a fitting celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and good spirits.

Giotto Maestro della Pizza has been considered one of Miami Beach’s most cherished Italian destinations by locals and tourists alike. For over a decade, Giotto has been known for its commitment to traditional Italian cuisine and warm, family-driven hospitality.

True to its name—Giotto Maestro della Pizza, meaning “Giotto, Master of the Pizza”—the restaurant reflects a deep dedication to the craft of traditional pizza-making. Originally a humble neighborhood pizzeria, the restaurant was thoughtfully elevated in 2019 when Silvia Accatino and her son, Giovanni Moretti, moved from Torino, Italy to take over the space. They preserved the restaurant’s neighborhood charm while infusing it with their culinary heritage and focus on authenticity.

“We’ve always believed Italian dining doesn’t have to be formal or expensive to be meaningful,” says Giovanni Moretti. “We wanted to show the South Beach community that authenticity comes from tradition, hospitality, and quality—not from formality or flash.”

Central to this vision is Silvia Accatino, Giovanni’s mother, who oversees the culinary program and brings generations of family recipes to life. Her hands-on approach ensures each dish reflects the nuances and techniques passed down through generations.

“Authentic Italian dining is about far more than the recipes on paper,” Silvia says. “It’s in the small gestures, the techniques, and the care passed down through generations. Every family has its own touch—which makes every dish completely unique.”

We were delighted by Silvia’s warmth and hospitality as she shared the care she takes in selecting the beautifully colored plates, tiles, and décor throughout the restaurant. She was so enchanting that we would have loved for her to sit down and share a meal with us.

The menu offers a comprehensive journey through Italian cuisine, from over a dozen pizzas like Capricciosa, Sfiziosa and our favorite, Truffle Marbella, to carefully selected pastas and signature kitchen favorites. Silvia prepares Giotto’s lasagna, which takes two full days to make; one of the best eggplant parms we’ve ever tasted, and all desserts from scratch, including tiramisu, ensuring every dish carries the authenticity, care, and warmth that define the restaurant.

Giotto also offers beer, wine, and spritz selections, perfect for pairing with any meal. Guests can enjoy happy hour Monday–Saturday, featuring specialty-priced bites alongside beer, wine, and spritzes. On Tuesdays, the restaurant highlights a Margherita pizza special for only $10, adding another reason to gather with friends or family midweek.

With just 35 seats, Giotto’s intimate setting fosters a sense of familiarity between guests and staff, creating an atmosphere more akin to an Italian home than a restaurant. Reservations are available by phone only, emphasizing the personal connection with the local community.

Giotto is available for private events, offering both indoor and outdoor seating during business hours or after hours, making it ideal for intimate gatherings, celebrations, and culinary experiences.

Since Silvia and Giovanni took over, Giotto has become a bridge between Italy’s rich culinary heritage and South Beach’s vibrant local community. It remains a unique place in a dynamic city where quality and authenticity are requisite to a restaurant’s longstanding success.

For more information, visit: https://giottomaestrodellapizza.com

(305) 532-1138

5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

959 West Avenue, Suite #2

Miami Beach, FL 33139

Ocean Drive recently got a little louder — and a lot more flavorful. Michelle Bernstein and husband/hospitality partner David Martinez have officially opened La Cañita Miami Beach at 1200 Ocean Drive in the heart of the Art Deco District. The duo — also behind Miami favorites Café La Trova, Sra. Martínez and Sweet Liberty — bring their signature Cuban-Caribbean energy to South Beach. Already a hit at Bayside Marketplace and Kendall, the South Beach outpost turns up the volume with live Cuban music, vibrant interiors by Nicolette Bernstein, and a rum-forward bar that feels like a sun-drenched island escape.

La Cañita was born from the partners’ dreams of bringing together Cuban music, Cuban-Caribbean food and lifestyle, as well as a love and appreciation of rum culture. La Cañita means “little sugarcane,” the plant whose distillation creates the delicious spirit that La Cañita proudly features and the heart and soul of the restaurant. It’s an homage to the spirit that defines the bar program and the Caribbean lifestyle that inspires the menu. Drawing flavors from Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti, Puerto Rico and beyond, the restaurant blends Bernstein’s award-winning cuisine with a lively, music-filled atmosphere that preserves Miami’s rich Latin-Caribbean influences.

Under Bernstein’s direction, La Cañita Miami Beach offers a dynamic and vibrant menu for lunch and dinner, including handhelds, snacks, Caribbean classics and South Florida signatures.

Let’s begin with the Serrano ham croquetas- golden, crisp, impossibly creamy — easily the best in Miami. They’re the kind of bite that stops the table mid-conversation and makes you order another couple of rounds. The shrimp scampi croquetas are a close runner up. The menu travels through Caribbean classics, from conch fritters dusted in sweet cayenne to, empanadas, a wahoo fish dip, lechón asado with mojo and Michelle’s nostalgic arroz con pollo. It’s vibrant, supremely flavorful and unmistakably Miami.

Behind the 40-seat bar, more than 100 rums fuel mojitos in multiple variations and bold house cocktails, but the espresso martini quietly steals the spotlight — rich, frothy, and one of the best on Miami Beach.

The live, full- piece Cuban band is outstanding. Talented Cuban musicians turn dinner into a dance floor nightly, filling the room — and spilling onto the sidewalk — with irresistible rhythm. Grab a sidewalk table and you’ve got prime views of Miami Beach: palm trees swaying, turquoise waves, and Ocean Drive buzzing around you.

“In Miami, the islands aren’t offshore, they’re in our hearts, our kitchens, our rum glasses. Island heritage dining taught us that warmth isn’t just in the weather, it’s in the welcome. Every meal is an invitation to feel at home, no matter where you come from,” says Bernstein. “We are so excited to make our mark on Ocean Drive, the Art Deco icon of South Florida, and create a new home for both locals and visitors to the beach.” 

It comes as no surprise that at this year’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Michelle Bernstein was honored at the Tribute Dinner, recognizing her trailblazing impact on Latin-inspired cuisine and her role as one of Miami’s most influential culinary voices, her legacy as a James Beard Award–winning chef and champion of South Florida’s culinary scene. The standing ovation underscored her lasting impact on the industry, her mentorship of rising talent, and her role in shaping the very spirit of SOBEWFF.

La Cañita Miami Beach is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from noon to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 a.m. Daily happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a reverse happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit LaCanitaMiami.com or book via OpenTable. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @lacanitamiami and @lacanitabeach for live music schedules, happy hour updates, and upcoming events.

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.

Casa Gianna

601 Northeast 1st Ave,
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 605-2272
info@casagianna.com

https://www.galehotelmiami.com/dining#casa-gianna-italian-ristorante

Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.  Aperitivo Hour: Monday–Thursday 4–7 p.m.; Friday 4–6 p.m.  Lunch: Monday–Friday 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.  Dinner: Nightly from 5 p.m. 

Step inside, sip something sparkling, and settle in — because at Casa Gianna, every hour is golden hour.

By: Maryanne Salvat

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.