Posted by Maryanne Salvat On June - 20 - 2025ADD COMMENTS
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.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On June - 11 - 2025ADD COMMENTS
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.
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.
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.
Posted by Maryanne Salvat On May - 5 - 2025ADD COMMENTS
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.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On May - 2 - 2025ADD COMMENTS
On the evening of April 29, the spirit of Miami shimmered a little brighter as Faena Art hosted its fifth annual Gala, Follow Your Rainbow—a phantasmagoric ode to the transformative power of art and color. Held poolside at the iconic Faena Miami Beach and masterfully helmed by hosts Alan and Grace Faena, the evening unfolded like a living canvas: vivid, immersive, and unapologetically audacious.
Guests made their entrance through a grand rainbow archway into a meticulously curated kaleidoscopic dreamscape, where the realms of art, fashion, music, and culinary excellence flowed seamlessly together.
The scene was cinematic, with every detail meticulously choreographed to entice the senses. A site-specific installation by acclaimed artist Joel Mesler anchored the atmosphere—his work pulsating with color and wit—while DJ Richie Hell delivered a pulse-quickening soundtrack to match. Models paraded through the crowd in bespoke, prismatic couture, blurring the lines between runway and performance art.
At the heart of the evening was an opulent culinary experience curated by Faena’s iconic collaborators: Argentine fire whisperer Chef Francis Mallmann and James Beard Award-winner Chef Paul Qui. Mallmann, true to form, held court over open flames in a mesmerizing ballet of smoke and heat, while Qui carved a massive bluefin tuna with the precision of a sculptor—live, amidst the gasps of delighted guests.
Bringing pure disco magic to the night, Rocky Lanes brought the house down with a powerhouse performance of crowd-favorite dance floor anthems. Not even a light drizzle could dampen the energy—guests twirled, grooved, and shimmered under the stars, fully surrendered to the rhythm.
Currently serving as the electrifying master of ceremonies for Faena Theatre’s dazzling new live production, RETRO: The Rhythm of the Decades, Rocky continues to prove she’s the reigning queen of throwback glamour. Read more about RETRO here.
The guests included Miami’s coolest creatives, a dazzling mix of cultural vanguard, art world luminaries, and global trendsetters. Joining hosts, Alan and Grace Faena were: Gianni and Leena Infantino, Jorge and Darlene Pérez, Len and Emily Blavatnik, Olivier Francois, Vita Sidorkina-Morabito, Mindy Solomon, Cathy Leff, Karen Grimson, Christina Pettersson, Beatriz Chachamovits, Magnus Sodamin, Kelly Breez, Anabella Bergero, Antonia Wright, Edison Peñafiel, Jill Hotchkiss, Manuel Ameztoy, and Danié Gómez Ortigoz.
Embracing the evening’s Follow Your Rainbow theme, guests adorned themselves in chromatic couture, turning the gala into a living spectrum. Faena Art crowned Francisca Oyhanarte—Miami-based artist and style savant—as the night’s best-dressed, awarding her a lavish two-night escape in the Faena Penthouse.
More than spectacle, the Gala reaffirmed Faena Art’s commitment to nurturing artistic innovation and expanding Miami’s cultural lexicon. Proceeds directly fund year-round programming, including experimental commissions, the Project Room exhibitions, and the prestigious Faena Prize for the Arts.
For those who couldn’t follow the rainbow in person, the dream lives on at faenaart.org.
