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.

Miami’s beloved nonprofit, Amigos For Kids, is bringing the holiday spirit back to Jose Martí Park on Sunday, December 14, for its 34th Annual Holiday Toy Drive—a cherished tradition that spreads joy to thousands of underserved children and families across South Florida.

What started more than three decades ago as a small community effort has grown into one of the region’s most heartwarming holiday celebrations. “Each year, our Toy Drive reminds us of the extraordinary power of compassion,” says Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos For Kids. Thanks to the support of generous partners, volunteers, and donors, families can count on a magical day filled with gifts, treats, and unforgettable memories.

Board Chair Yosbel Ibarra shares that the event is much more than toys: “Every smile and every shared moment reinforces the work we do year-round to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.”

Pre-registered children will enjoy meeting Santa, picking out personalized gifts, and indulging in festive fun. Beyond the event, Amigos For Kids will deliver toys to partner organizations to ensure even more little ones experience the joy of the season.

This year’s Toy Drive is proudly supported by many community champions, including The Chariff Family, The Lowell & Betty Dunn Family Foundation, The Brunetti Foundation, FedEx, The Gloria Estefan Foundation, Miami HEAT Charitable Fund, and numerous local organizations and businesses.

Want to make a difference? You can donate toys, volunteer, or contribute online.

Learn more at amigosforkids.org and follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

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.

Open Sesame: The Hot 100 Is Here!

Gain access intelligence now through the Hot 100, the high profile industry’s guide to Art Basel Miami Beach week’s best private VVIP event programming.

Art Week is more than an event – it’s the cultural moment of the year. But with so many activities going on everywhere all at once, how do you find out what’s going on and how to get in?

Enter the Hot 100.

The Hot 100 | 2025 returns with upgraded cultural relevance parameters reinforcing its long-standing position as the industry’s original and most trusted directory. For decades, the Hot 100 has served as the internal compass for imagineers, shapeshifters, idea-connectors, and forward-minded talent. Doors opening, contacts saving, and lifetime memory-making is what we unlock for you. Now you can navigate the overwhelming Art Basel process with confidence and clarity.

Exchange of Value

You choose what to pay based on the description that resonates with you the most:

Pay UP — $100

For the high-portfolio user who respects the work and champions us all.

Pay Out — $50

For the standard user who supports the Hot 100 community and keeps the ecosystem moving.

*Complimentary passes to select special listings are available upon request.

What You’ll Get:

• Chronological Listing: Easily figure out what’s going on at any time of the week
• Complimentary VIP & Media passes: For select event programming
• Access Information: Direct Répondez s’il vous plaît channels and clickable links to confirm your attendance.
• Daily Updates: As the freshest invites continue to roll in

Why Purchase the Hot 100:

• What’s going on? Credible media professionals & connection creators access the Hot 100 intel to determine what to cover, where to go, and who to know. More than that, it serves as a time capsule of Greater Miami’s evolving cultural ecosystem.
• Any time, Any place: The Hot 100 is the tool that positions you at the center of the week’s most memorable moments. Meet you in the Green Room!
• Simplify your schedule: Navigate the overwhelming Art Week planning process with cease and know-how.

Upon purchase, registered users will be emailed a link and unique password to access the guide.

Curated by Entertainment Influencers & UP | Unparalleled Productions

____________________________________________________________________________

How the Most Connected Get In

Special Access Services are available to most listings.

Packages available to assist with your RSVP confirmations. To be posted.

Please email hot100events@gmail.com or text 323-823-0588 for more information.

25 Years. 4 Days. 500+ Culinary Stars. One Epic Weekend. February 19-22, 2026

MIAMI, FLA. (November 4, 2025) – The nation’s most iconic wine and food Festival, Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®), is throwing its biggest party yet, and everyone’s invited. Tickets are now on sale for the star-studded 25th anniversary, taking place February 19–22, 2026, and featuring 500+ chefs, culinary icons, and GRAMMY award winning artists across four days of unforgettable events. Spanning from Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale to Homestead, the milestone celebration promises to be the most delicious and downright fun edition yet. Wines and spirits for the Festival are exclusively provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the industry’s leading distributor, and proud co-producer of the event.

“Celebrating our 25th year is an incredible moment for the Festival, our partners and the entire South Florida community,” said Lee Brian Schrager, Festival Founder & Director and Chief Communications Officer & SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “From its early days with just 7,000 attendees to becoming one of the nation’s largest food Festivals, SOBEWFF® has always been about connecting people to incredible food, drink, and culture, while supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders from FIU. This year’s lineup honors the chefs and talent who have helped shape our legacy, while introducing new events that capture the evolving energy of Miami’s dining scene.”

“For nearly two decades, Food Network has partnered with the South Beach Wine & Food Festival to bring a piece of our brand to life each winter, celebrating the chefs, creators, and culinary innovators who inspire our viewers every day,” said Lauren Burack Senior Vice President Marketing, Food Network. “As the Festival marks its 25th anniversary, we’re honored to continue showcasing the talent, creativity, and passion that have made this partnership so special since its inception in 2007.”

For 2026, SOBEWFF® is pulling out all the stops, with the kind of energy only Miami can deliver. Guests can expect the return of fan favorite signature events, alongside brand-new experiences, and a noteworthy music talent lineup.

Here are 25 reasons why SOBEWFF® 2026 will be a celebration to remember:

1. EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE.: To date, SOBEWFF® has raised $45+ million for the Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, and gives over 1,500 students the opportunity to gain real life, hands-on experience alongside the industry’s top chefs every year.Thursday, February 19
2. Diplo LIVE from South Beach, Celebrating 25 Years of SOBEWFF® hosted by David Grutman & Groot Hospitality (NEW): The 25th anniversary kicks off in the Grand Tasting Village Courtyard with a late-night set by Diplo, marking the first time the space has ever been activated at night.
3. Burger Bash® Turns 20: Rachael Ray will host the fan favorite Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons®, bringing together 25 restaurants who will make over 46,000 burgers in hopes of winning the title of the country’s best burger.
4. The Festival Heads North:The Festival will host two not-to-be-missed dinners in Fort Lauderdale. John Tesar and Danny Ganem at Daniel’s, and Alex Guarnaschelli with Anthony Vitolo at Vitolo.
5. Asian Night Market: Hosted by Jet Tila and Aarti Sequeira, Asian Night Market returns to the Loews Miami Beach for late-night, street-style bites.
6. Dinner at the Museum with Food Network Stars (NEW): Dinner hosted by Bryan Voltaggio, Michael Voltaggio, Brooke Williamson, Zac Young, and Peyton Leffingwell at Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science as part of The New York Times Dinner Series.
7. Foodgod Hosts Haute Potato (NEW): A playful, Instagram-worthy event blending creative renditions of potato dishes with entertainment, Haute Potato hosted by Foodgod is a new addition to The Hangar Event Series in Coconut Grove.
8. Let Them Eat Cake! A Sweet Celebration of 25 Years (NEW): Duff Goldman hosts the 25th anniversary celebration at the National Hotel, with a dessert-focused, walk-around party.
9. Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions LIVE: The high-energy culinary competition is back inspired by the hit Food Network show with a live, in-person showdown. 
10. Las Lap Link Up: A Celebration of Afro-Caribbean Cuisine (NEW): Kwame Onwuachi and Nina Compton highlight Afro-Caribbean cuisine at the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel for a night filled with fresh seafood, zesty sauces, smoky grills, sweet island fruits, and tropical drinks.
11. 135,000 square-feet of Culinary Playground: The Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, will feature culinary tastings and experiences, including LIVE cooking demonstrations from Food Network personalities, 1,200+ products for sampling, over 45 restaurants and more.
12. Tribute Dinner Honoring Miami’s Beloved Michelle Bernstein: For the first time, the Tribute Dinner will honor a South Florida chef and transformative Miami talent, Michelle Bernstein, who has participated in the Festival all 25 years. The evening will also honor renowned vintner Sacha Lichine, with Bobby Flay serving as Master of Ceremonies.
13. Masters of Fire Goes to the Beach: Hosted by Tyler Florence, Masters of Firedebuts as a signature event on the sand, with 25+ chefs cooking over open flames on Miami Beach.

14. Overtown Brunch with Marcus Samuelsson: The popular event is back at Red Rooster Overtown to spotlight some of the best talent and flavors the historic Black neighborhood has to offer. 
15. Drag Dance Party: Hosted by Athena Dion, Juicy Love Dion and Mia Starr at the Miami Beach Bandshell, this will be a high-energy celebration mixing music, food and feature a performance by a GRAMMY award winning artist. 
16. Eats & Beats with Mr. Eats 305 (NEW): A curated food and music block party at ZeyZey combining live beats and creative bites.
17. Tacos & Tequila: The fan-favorite event hosted by Aarón Sánchez is heading to the mainland as part of the Miami Design District Event Series.
18. A Late Night Pizza Party (NEW): Hosted by world-renowned supermodel Ashley Graham, Michael Pirolo, and Marc Vetri at Little River hotspot Bar Bucce.
19. Jon and Vinny’s Sunday Parm Night (NEW): A family-friendly Sunday night hosted by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo at the Rubell Museum. 
20. Joe’s Stone Crab Lunch with Martha (NEW): Martha Stewart and Sacha Lichine will host an intimate lunch at Miami institution Joe’s Stone Crab.
21. Chew on This: A Live Podcast Series (NEW): Featuring Bert Kreischer, Chiquis Rivera, Medha Gandhi and Andrew Pugliese from Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, taking place at the Miami Beach Bandshell.

Sunday, February 22

22. Delilah Miami Jazz Brunch: Hosted by Brad Kilgore and Michael Teich, this event combines live jazz with brunch at the Brickell restaurant.
23. Family BBQ with the Zakarians (NEW): Hosted by The Zakarian Family, Family BBQ featuring Apocalypse BBQ will be a relaxed afternoon celebrating the art of BBQ and family-style dinner at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. 
24. Coffee Culture: A Miami Brunch Experience (NEW): A new event part of the Miami Design District Event Series featuring the best coffee and matcha spots in Miami hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris. 
25. 25 Years of Legendary Bites (NEW): Closing out the weekend, this event will be hosted by Andrew Zimmernwith a live performance by DJ CASSIDY at the Festival’s North Venue on the beach.

The 2026 Festival lineup continues to grow, with additional events and talent to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for the Festival are On Sale NOW, with plenty of options to suit your taste and budget at sobewff.org. Stay up to date all year long by following @SOBEWFF on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.  

One of Miami’s most highly anticipated parties, Amigos Night, manages to outdo itself every year and this year was no exception. On Saturday, October 18, The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove was completely transformed for what can best be described as the party of the season.

The space shimmered with sequined tables, soft candlelight, and a sea of chic guests dressed to the nines. From the moment we arrived, the mood was pure celebration — laughter, dancing, and that signature Miami magic in the air. The open bar, courtesy of Bacardi USA, flowed freely all night long, keeping glasses full and spirits higher.

A stellar showcase of Miami’s top restaurants provided an eclectic selection of bites to suit every taste. But truth be told- it was tough to leave the dance floor long enough to grab a bite- because the music was THAT good! From the second Extasy hit the stage, it was over — the dance floor never emptied. The band was perfection, playing one crowd-pleaser after another until well after 1 a.m. A conga line snaked across the room on more than one occasion and friends, old and new, danced and sang with sheer joy.

Just when we were about to take a short break- around midnight, an explosion of confetti filled the air and showgirls took over the dance floor for the Hora Loca: pure, high-octane fun fueled by feathers, confetti, and wild energy!

Earlier in the evening, Karina Pavone, President & CEO of Amigos For Kids and Jorge A. Plasencia, Co-Founder & Chairman Emeritus, shared heartfelt thanks, reminding guests that every donation helps to strengthen families and protect children across Miami-Dade. Amigos Night was both a celebration and a statement — proof that Miami’s heart beats strongest when it’s dancing for a cause.

This remarkable evening was made possible by sponsors and culinary partners including—Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Bacardi USA, Greenberg Traurig, Academica, ABS Imprint, Ford, Amazon, Banesco, Baptist Health, Goya, Telemundo, Jorge Luis Garcia, Larry Geller & Ingrid Hoffmann, Prestige Clinical Research, Ryder, and Supreme Twins Foundation. Dining sponsors included: Arcano, Bartaco, Bayshore Club, Bulla Gastrobar, Café La Carreta, Costazul Peruvian Cuisine, CrepeMaker, Edda’s Cake Designs, Glass and Vine, LA Sweetz, Mena Catering, Miami Dade College, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Night Owl Cookies, Ossobuco, Papa Johns Pizza, Pisco y Nazca, Sufrat Mediterranean Grill, Sushi Maki, The Tipsy Truffle, Vegan Vibess, and Versailles Cuban Restaurant.

Amigos Night is a perfect example of why Miami parties are in a league of their own — a whirlwind of style, soul, sparkle and dancing. Few events capture the city’s spirit with such flair: dazzling, dynamic, and utterly unforgettable.

To support and learn more about Amigos For Kids, visit: amigosforkids.org and follow @AmigosForKids on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.