Art, Sunshine, and Good Vibes: The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Turns 61

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On February - 2 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

Get ready for a creative explosion in the Grove. For 61 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival has been the place to experience world-class art, live music, and interactive fun. It’s not just a festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the sheer joy of art.

Wander along the scenic Bayfront and discover hundreds of artists showcasing their talents across multiple visual categories. With 285 juried artists, you’re sure to find a masterpiece that speaks to you. But the CGAF is more than just an art show- it’s a champion for emerging artists. For 61 years, this Presidents’ Day Weekend bash has supported scholarships and programs that nurture creativity, making a real difference in the South Florida arts community.

Festival Highlights (aka Things You Absolutely Can’t Miss):

  • Rock Out: Live music at Peacock Park, courtesy of Hard Rock & Guitar Hotel Stacks! Get ready to groove.
  • Art & Drafts: Wynwood Brewery brews + live artistry = pure genius. Sip and be inspired.
  • Get Creative: Unleash your inner artist at Regatta Park. It’s time to get hands-on!
  • Kid Zone: Home Depot’s Creative Corner is where the magic happens. Let the little ones explore their artistic side.
  • Young Collectors: Kids can buy real art for just $5! It’s the perfect way to start a lifelong love of collecting.
  • VIP Treatment: Collectors Club tickets = open bar, bites, and AC. Need we say more? Indulge in the ultimate festival experience.
    This year, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is turning 61 and throwing a party – with art! Think interactive experiences that’ll unleash your inner Picasso, and enough deliciousness to satisfy any craving. It’s the perfect Presidents’ Day Weekend getaway. Join the fun, explore the incredible art, and make a difference by supporting future artists.
  • https://cgaf.com
    Snag your tickets and get the details at cgaf.com! see you in the Grove!

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and mingle with the stars at the iconic South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF).

This four-day extravaganza, which returns for its 24th year from February 20-23, has grown far beyond its South Beach roots, spreading its culinary magic across Miami’s Design District, Wynwood, and Coconut Grove.

Imagine a gourmet playground teeming with over 500 celebrity chefs, renowned personalities, and beverage wizards. From Rachael Ray rocking the 18th annual Mike’s Amazing® Burger Bash to Aarón Sánchez sizzling up the hottest tacos at Tacos & Tequila, SOBEWFF promises an unforgettable foodie adventure.

But the delicious adventures don’t stop there. Dive into intimate brunches, masterclasses, and exclusive dinners, or bring the whole family for special events. Feeling festive? Late-night parties await. Whether you crave intimate culinary conversations or a grand tasting extravaganza with 1,200+ delectable samples spread across 135,000 square feet at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village, SOBEWFF caters to every palate and party mood. 

Speaking of the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village- it ranks among our favorite activations of the weekend. Imagine a daytime dance party with your 1000 closest friends right on the sand… but with a twist. The culinary playground features live cooking demos from Food Network stars, 1,200+ food and drink samples, and unforgettable concert experiences curated by the brilliant minds behind Groot Hospitality and Only in Dade. Get ready to groove and graze as Ultra meets the SOBEWFF.

The best part is that each bite you savor supports a worthy cause. 100% of the festival’s net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, a top-ranked program shaping the future stars of the industry. So raise a glass (or fork!) to good food, good company, and giving back at this epicurean extravaganza!Tickets are just a click away at SOBEWFF2025.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Miami’s most fun, creative and elaborate culinary happening.

TINA- the Tina Turner Musical is Simply the Best

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On January - 17 - 2025ADD COMMENTS

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical isn’t just a show, it’s an electrifying explosion of raw talent, undeniable grit, and pure, unadulterated ROCK ‘N’ ROLL! Witness the legendary comeback story of the Queen herself, as she rises from the ashes to become an icon.

With a soundtrack that will have you dancing in the aisles, this show is a non-stop thrill ride. 12 Grammy Awards? Check. Millions of screaming fans? You betcha. More concert tickets sold than any other solo artist in history? Absolutely!

Get ready to feel the heat, hear the thunder, and experience the power of Tina Turner like never before. This ain’t no ordinary musical, folks. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the unstoppable force of a woman who refused to be silenced.

Warning: Contains adult themes, loud music, strobe lighting, haze, simulated gunshots, and strong language.

Dates: January 14th – 19th, 2025

Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center 

Run Time: 3 Hours of Pure Dynamite (with a 20-minute intermission)

Parental Guide: Ages 14+ 

Price: $35-$155 (Worth every penny!)

For more information, visit: https://www.arshtcenter.org

Graziano’s Butcher Block Party: a Taste of Argentina

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 20 - 2024ADD COMMENTS

Graziano’s Butcher Block Party, took place on Thursday, December 12 and let’s just say, it was an unforgettable evening filled with fun and  Argentine delights. The food was exceptional- unlimited piping hot empanadas of every variety,  steak and sausage sandwiches, and grilled churrasco prepared on the Parrilla, all accompanied by so many delicious wines, from all over the world. We felt transported to Argentina for the night.

But it was more than just a food event. The music was fantastic. The crowd enjoyed dancing to the infectious rhythms of Lemon City Trio, Grupo Solsis, and Jackie Mendez. The energy was electric, and it felt like all of Coral Gables was celebrating together.

If you missed it- fret not. Fortunately, this event happens every year. Stay tuned for details on next year’s Butcher Block Party. You won’t want to miss it!

In the meantime, be sure to get your Graziano’s fix at one of their several locations. Visit: https://www.grazianosgroup.com.

Salt & Straw Free Scoop in Honor of Winter Solstice

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On December - 19 - 2024ADD COMMENTS

In honor of the Winter Solstice on December 21st, Salt & Straw will be offering a free scoop promotion at all locations. Customers who order a single scoop will get to upgrade to a double for free to celebrate the shortest (and sweetest) day of the year. 

Customers can choose from classic flavors like Double Fold Vanilla, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Honey Lavender or choose from the limited-edition Holiday Series. 

Co-founder and head ice cream maker Tyler Malek has turned all of his favorite holiday flavors into five unique ice creams that capture the cheerful, nostalgia and cozy traditions of the holiday season, and are influenced by Grandma Malek’s favorite festive recipes, cookie swaps, and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s holiday alter-ego “Dwanta.” 

Flavors include: 

  • NEW – The Great Cookie Swap (v) – Crunchy biscoff cookies are blended into a coconut cream ice cream base, and stuffed with quintessential holiday cookies: red-and-green sprinkled sugar cookies, powdered chocolate crinkle cookies, and nutty pecan sandwiches, and swirled with Biscoff cookie butter.
  • Toasted White Chocolate & Peppermint Almonds – This flavor starts with baking white chocolate chips until they’re golden brown to create a rich, caramelized ice cream, folded with crunchy chopped almonds from SkinnyDipped Almonds®, each one double-dipped in delicate layers of dark chocolate and peppermint-infused white chocolate, and swirled with ribbons of minty housemade fudge.
  • Gingerbread Cookie Dough – Straight from Grandma Malek’s kitchen, her beloved gingerbread molasses “Cry Baby” cookies are back again this year. These family favorites are churned into a gooey cookie butter, then layered into a rum-spiked royal icing ice cream. Bits of gingerbread cookie are scattered throughout so that every bite of this comforting treat is packed with the warm, spiced flavors that’ve been part of the Malek family’s holiday festivities for generations.
  • Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache – This sweet and salty flavor is inspired by Grandma Malek’s recipe- studded brittle with candied almonds, slivers of the brittle and decadent chocolate ganache nuggets (creamy, truffle-like delights bursting with salty sweetness) are folded into a classic Double Fold vanilla ice cream. 
  • Dwanta’s Teremana Spiked Eggnog – Inspired by Dwanta—our friend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s holiday alter ego— this flavor brings together tequila and eggnog to spike the rich, silky custard ice cream with notes of oaky vanilla from Teremana’s Reposado. Amontillado sherry gives it backbone, and an unexpected nuttiness that’s perfectly in character, with nutmeg and dark agave to give the flavor a toasty finish. For locations visit: Salt & Straw.

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John Summit Headlines Flaunt Magazine Party

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 13 - 2024ADD COMMENTS

Flaunt magazine launched its “Where Are We Going?” issue during Miami Art Week in collaboration with the Bass Art Museum, at the luxurious Air private lounge on the Miami River. The chic space is designed to evoke the interior of a yacht.

The exclusive event, featured a captivating performance by cover star John Summit. The charming and charismatic Summit mingled with stylish guests before taking over the DJ booth. Prior to Summit’s performance, guests enjoyed sets by Jaywav, Gilly Chan, Bec Adams, and Miluska.

The event was co-produced by Jeffrey Jah, Rose Thorn of Lenox Room, and Karim Amatulla of Unpublished.

In attendance were Lady Victoria Hervey, Indira Ceserine, Brad Taylor, Cuba Gooding Jr., River Viiperi, Nicola Siervo, Andrew Gifford, , Fabian Basabe, and Harif Guzman, who danced until the wee hours of the morning.