Tequila Don Julio and Camila Fernández’s Mariachi Magic

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 1 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

Tequila Don Julio turned up the volume and style on a balmy Miami summer night as Mexican singer Camila Fernandez lit up the rooftop of trendy Astra restaurant and bar with a soulful acoustic showcase that blended modern artistry with her rich cultural roots.

The evening, hosted in partnership with Tequila Don Julio, Universal Music Latin, and Fono, unfolded under the stars in true Wynwood fashion: breezy, bold, and undeniably magnetic. Camila serenaded guests with a live performance of her latest single “No Puedo Dormir Sin Ti.” Her voice effortlessly enthralled the crowd, proving why she’s one of Mexico’s most captivating young talents. As the daughter of legendary Mexican singer, Alejandro Fernández, known around the world as El Potrillo, Camila is no stranger to the spotlight. But on this night, she claimed it entirely for herself, with a voice that’s both timeless and current.

The music was only part of the story. In a beautiful nod to heritage, guests were treated to a curated display of Camila’s iconic Mariachi performance outfits—rich with embroidery, color, and character—bringing a tactile sense of tradition into the elevated, open-air space. It was a celebration of Mexico past and present, glamour and grit, wrapped in silk and stitched with soul.

At the heart of the evening was Tequila Don Julio, setting the tone with meticulously crafted cocktails that were as vibrant and expressive as the night itself. Attendees sipped standouts like the La Caminera (with Don Julio Blanco), Una Vida (with Reposado), and the fan-favorite Se Cancela La Llorada (featuring Don Julio 70 Añejo Cristalino), while enjoying a thoughtful spread of light bites under the Miami sky.

Then came the moment that made everyone’s phones fly up: a surprise appearance from Mexican pop sensation DANNA, sending waves of excitement across the rooftop and marking the evening as the summer kickoff the city didn’t know it needed.

No detail was overlooked. Guests were gifted mini bottles of Don Julio 1942, the ultra-premium tequila that’s become a staple of refined celebrations and unforgettable nights.

More than a party, the night launched Tequila Don Julio, Universal Music Latin, and Fono’s larger summer partnership—a cross-country celebration of Mexican artistry and heritage with upcoming stops in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York. But on this particular night, with the Miami breeze floating through bougainvillea and the sound of Mariachi-meets-modern echoing over the city, the magic was right there—on the rooftop.

In honor of the Summer Solstice on June 20th, Salt & Straw will be offering a free scoop promotion at all locations. Customers who order a single scoop will get to make it a double for free to celebrate the longest day of the year. *Customers need to mention the promo when they’re ordering / at checkout to reword. 

Customers can choose from classic flavors like Double Fold Vanilla, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender, or choose from the limited-edition Summer Pie Series that is available through June 26th, and features a series of five flavors inspired by the classic summer dessert and the Pacific Northwest’s best seasonal produce, ranging from vine-ripened tomatoes to mouth-puckering lemons. 

Flavors include:

  • Wild-Foraged Berry Slab Pie – Wildberry pie filling with bits of double-baked pie crust folded into salted vanilla ice cream.  
  • Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise – Rhubarb jam is streaked through vanilla ice cream and topped with a toasted anise crumble. 
  • Wildflower Honey and Lemon Chess Pie – Pops of lemon chess pie folded into creamy cultured frozen yogurt, sweetened with wildflower honey and finished with a drizzle of housemade lemon curd. 
  • Gruyere and Tomato Custard Tart – A savory gruyère cheese & tomato jam is baked into a buttery, flaky pie crust, diced into bite-sized morsels and tossed into a salt & pepper custard ice cream. 
  • Coconut Cherry Pie with Almond Crust (v) – Sour cherry pie filling and shortbread almond crust folded into a lush coconut cream.

Since quietly opening in 2023 at the ground level of Brickell City Centre, The Henry has become a neighborhood staple for those who appreciate classic dishes with a modern twist, warm hospitality, and a touch of understated glamour. Brought to Miami by eleven-time James Beard Award nominee Sam Fox—founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts—this all-day American Brasserie brings thoughtful design, approachable luxury, and impeccable execution to one of the city’s most fast-paced districts.

The setting is striking yet inviting. Located on the corner of Miami Avenue and 8th Street, The Henry seats 260 guests in a stylish space of white marble, caramel leather, warm woods, and cascading greenery. Whether you’re slipping into a banquette for brunch or meeting friends for cocktails at the 68-seat bar, the mood is effortlessly polished. Even the ventanita, open from 7 a.m., offers a chic grab-and-go moment for coffee and pastries.

Executive Chef Darren Thompson leads the kitchen with a menu that reflects both precision and personality. With a background that includes the legendary Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, his Southern roots are unmistakable in dishes like the signature crab cake—delicately crisped and served with a house remoulade that’s rich, complex, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and elevated.

That same finesse carries through to dessert, where Thompson’s brown butter cake is rich with nutty warmth and the bread pudding is spiced, soulful, and perfectly plated. His dynamic presence is felt in every course, making even familiar favorites feel inspired.

The cocktail program, too, is thoughtfully curated. Sip the Thai Grapefruit Smash for something bright and zesty with subtle floral notes, or the Desert Bird, a tropical-meets-smoky blend of mezcal, pineapple, and lime that’s as balanced as it is bold. Of course, the Spicy Margarita—shaken with just the right amount of heat—remains a crowd favorite.

What elevates The Henry beyond its chic ambiance and well-executed menu is the service: gracious, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re a first-timer or a weekend regular, the team makes every visit feel like an occasion.

From early breakfasts to stylish dinners and everything in between, The Henry continues to strike that rare balance of casual elegance and culinary excellence—firmly securing its place as a go-to in the Brickell dining scene.

The Henry – Miami

Brickell City Centre

701 S Miami Ave, Suite 131-B

Miami, FL 33131

(786) 899-7370

www.thehenryrestaurant.com

Open daily for breakfast, lunch & dinner

☕ Ventanita open from 7:00 a.m. daily

La Pata Gorda: Authentic Ecuadorian Dining on Miracle Mile

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On June - 11 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

Amid the bustle of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile, La Pata Gorda offers something rare: an Ecuadorian seafood restaurant that feels as refined as it is rooted. Born from a beloved concept in Ecuador, this stateside outpost honors its culinary heritage with thoughtful execution, unique ingredients, and an authentic, approachable atmosphere.

The restaurant draws a loyal following from Miami’s Ecuadorian community—diners who know the cuisine intimately and come here for a taste of home. Yet its appeal is expansive. From first-time visitors to devoted regulars, guests are drawn into an immersive dining experience that blends coastal Ecuadorian tradition with a sophisticated Miami sensibility.

La Pata Gorda specializes in Ecuador’s bold, seafood-forward flavors—where freshness and simplicity meet depth and technique. Several standout dishes bring the country’s coastal identity into sharp, delicious focus.

  • Jipijapa-Style Ceviche: An iconic Ecuadorian ceviche: shrimp, octopus and the catch of the day with roasted peanuts sauce and citrus marinade
  • Seafood Chicharrón
    A golden medley of calamari, shrimp, and fish, served with chifles (plantain chips) and a tangy carretillero sauce. Crisp, flavorful, and comforting.
  • Crab & Shrimp Salad
    Delicately chilled and topped with roasted garlic mayo, chives, house sauce, and patacones—this dish is light but richly seasoned.
  • Mangrove Crab Claws
    A signature offering, served whole and paired with warm melted butter. The sweetness of Ecuador’s cangrejo de manglar is unmatched, making this dish a standout indulgence.
  • Carapacho Croquetas
    Crafted from Ecuadorian mangrove crab and subtly sweet plantains, these croquettes are lightly fried and served with a creamy dipping sauce. Elegant and slightly playful.
  • Grilled Conchas
    A refined coastal delicacy: fresh black clams topped with slices of tender Spanish octopus, finished with a delicate, slightly spicy glaze. Smoky, briny, and deeply satisfying.

For guests looking to explore a range of the kitchen’s best work, the La Pata Gorda Platter is a must. This tasting menu brings together:

  • Jipijapa-style ceviche
  • Seafood chicharrón
  • Crab and shrimp salad
  • Signature mangrove crab claws

Balanced in portion and beautifully plated, the platter is an ideal entry point for those discovering Ecuadorian cuisine or seeking to share multiple specialties at the table.

La Pata Gorda blends rustic charm with refined design—think exposed wood, ambient lighting, and nautical touches without cliché. The mood is sophisticated yet warm, with a sense of ease that invites lingering over a second cocktail or dessert.

During televised Ecuadorian national soccer matches, the dining room becomes a gathering space for the community. There’s energy and enthusiasm, but the experience remains polished: more celebratory than chaotic.

The overwhelmingly Ecuadorian clientele speaks volumes about the restaurant’s authenticity. This is where those who know the cuisine best come to reconnect—with familiar flavors, with friends, and with the rituals of home.

La Pata Gorda is located at: 232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; telephone number: (305) 456-5085.

@lapatagorda_us

INITIO x Saks Present: The POWER SELF Launch

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On May - 23 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

Saks and INITIO Parfums Privés came together for an unforgettable night in Miami to unveil POWER SELF, the brand’s boldest creation yet. Hosted at the iconic Temple House, the launch was an immersive, full-sensory experience—where scent wasn’t just smelled, it was felt.

Guests engaged in a 360-degree journey of smell, taste, touch, sound, and sight—each element unlocking the fragrance’s full emotional power. It was more than a party; it was a portal to your most empowered self.


POWER SELF isn’t just a fragrance. It’s a neuroscent—a scientifically formulated blend of woody florals designed to activate the brain’s sensory receptors and measurably boost confidence, clarity, and emotional strength.

This unisex scent is magnetic yet comforting, leaving a trail that resonates with your truest self. It’s mood-enhancing. Mind-shifting.

POWER SELF is a scientifically crafted woody floral neuroscent designed to elevate confidence and emotional strength. By activating the brain’s sensory receptors, it does what no ordinary fragrance can: enhance your mindset and well-being.

Unisex, magnetic, and soul-stirring, POWER SELF leaves behind a trail of empowered energy. This is scent with purpose. Fragrance, redefined.

Shop POWER SELF at Saks

There’s something delicious happening in Brickell — The Henry just rolled out its brand-new spring/summer menu, and it’s everything we’re craving this season.

Some of our favorite standouts include the Pressed Yellowtail Sushi with avocado and spicy yuzu marmalade — topped with truffle chili crunch and fresh Thai basil, it’s the perfect balance of heat and freshness. The Strawberry and Watermelon Salad layered with heirloom tomatoes, avocado, whipped chévre, candied pistachios, cotija croutons, and a sprinkle of tajin is a refreshing treat. And the Wild Caught Bay Scallops are served with truffle gnocchi, roasted tomatoes, summer corn butter, and a hint of lemon chili oil.

New seasonal sips include the Watermelon Daiquirita, The Way of Tea (a mix of pineapple-soaked Ketel One, matcha coconut sour, and lavender cold foam), and the refreshingly creative Honeydew Highball. If you’re in need for the perfect pick-me up coffee cocktails, their El Carajillo has gotten some attention — The New York Times called it the “drink of the summer.”

Mother’s Day Specials:

And just in time for Mother’s Day, The Henry has teamed up with Veuve Clicquot for a brunch collab that’s as chic as it is bubbly. Think champagne-forward pairings, extra-special dishes like shareable Giant Cinnamon Rolls and Pan-Seared Striped Bass, and the perfect excuse to toast the season.

For more information on The Henry visit: https://www.thehenryrestaurant.com/locations/miami/