Si Papa: A Love Letter to Lasagna

Posted by Maryanne Salvat On April - 3 - 2026ADD COMMENTS

Tucked away in Coconut Grove, Si Papa is a small, candlelit Italian neighborhood gem—intentionally simple, with no menu and no distractions, just lasagna done right.

We arrived around 6:30 p.m. on a Saturday to beat the crowds and were greeted by two servers in the cozy, compact space. Seating is limited (about 24 seats), which gives the restaurant an intimate, almost speakeasy-like feel. We grabbed seats at the bar and ordered right away.

My husband chose the bolognese, while I went with the vegetarian (pesto, peas, and green beans). Both were rich, comforting, and absolutely worth the hype. As more patrons trickled in—waiting patiently for tables—the lively Italian playlist added to the warm, inviting atmosphere.

We ended the night with their homemade tiramisu, the perfect excuse to linger just a little longer and soak in the ambiance.

Come hungry and leave full. With a cozy vibe, honest pricing (lasagna is around $15), and great value, it’s easy to see the appeal. The intimate wine bar keeps things focused, serving only Chef Rossi’s signature “Si Papa” lasagna, a curated selection of about a dozen Italian wines, and a decadent tiramisu.

Si Papa
3190 Commodore Plaza
Miami, FL 33133

Founded by the team behind Cotoletta and San Lorenzo.

Easter in the Caribbean hits different—and nothing captures that spirit quite like Jamaican Easter Bun. This rich, spiced loaf—made with molasses, dried fruit, and warming notes of allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger—is more than just a seasonal treat; it’s a whole vibe rooted in heritage, memory, and migration. Typically paired with cheese (yes, cheese—don’t question it, just trust the process), the bun has evolved from the British hot cross bun into something unmistakably Caribbean, layered with bold flavor and even bolder history.

As Caribbean cuisine continues to heat up in the U.S., the Easter Bun offers a more intimate taste of that story—one that’s been passed down through generations and still shows up strong every spring. Whether it’s stealing the spotlight on your Easter table or making your morning coffee feel a little more main character energy, this is one tradition that refuses to be overlooked.

And if you’re not baking it from scratch, Golden Krust has you covered—turning out over 150,000 buns a year, with the real rush leading up to Easter. Because let’s be honest: one bite in, and suddenly you understand why this isn’t just a treat… it’s a yearly obsession.

Slow Food Miami’s Annual Tasting Party Returns

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On March - 31 - 2026ADD COMMENTS

The 15th annual Slow Food Miami’s Annual “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party will return on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at an exciting new venue, the one-and-only Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Tickets are available to purchase via Eventbrite HERE. General admission tickets are $125 per person in advance; $145 per person at the door. VIP Garden Sponsor is $750 and includes (2) two tickets and access to the VIP Lounge + sponsorship of one school garden bed.

Often referred to as, “Miami’s Freshest Night Out,” the annual event is Slow Food Miami’s (SFM) night to honor Miami chefs, restaurants, artisans and purveyors who make sustainability and local sourcing of paramount importance. The celebration goes hand in hand with SFM’s mission to support local farmers/growers and help educate future generations about the importance of smart, responsible sourcing and the authentic origins of the food we eat. Event proceeds benefit SFM’s Edible School & Community Garden Program. This year’s celebrity emcee will be Miami’s own Olee Fowler, 1/3 of the trio behind the Magic City’s favorite new food blog The Leftovers.  

Participants confirmed thus far include: Christoper Robertson/Carillon Miami Wellness Resort; Logan McNeil/Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort; Michael Beltran/Ariete; Allen Susser/Slow Fish & Chef Allen’s consulting; Chef Pedro Mederos/Kojin; Domaselo; Everglades Oysters; Garcia Nevett Chocolatier de Miami; Laurie’s Pantry; Pamela Wasabi Bakery; Radiate Kombucha and Titanic Brewery. More to come.

“We are excited to bring this year’s celebration to the gorgeous and health-minded Carillon Miami Wellness Resort,” says SFM Chair Michele Benesch. “We look forward to this night all year; our annual opportunity to pay tribute to and celebrate the talents, visionaries and dedicated doers who have committed themselves and their businesses to help further Slow Food’s Mission. The funds we raise directly benefit our edible garden school program and every year it becomes more important to get to kids and show them what real food is and where it comes from.”

Slow Food Miami’s 15th annual “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party is sponsored by Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, Royal Caribbean, SYLTBAR, Brustman Carrino Public Relations, Jet Set Sound, and Menu Men, Inc.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-snail-of-approval-tasting-party-tickets-1983910227897?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cotoletta: The Art of Doing One Thing Perfectly

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On March - 27 - 2026ADD COMMENTS

Cotoletta proves that less is not only more—it’s just right.

In a city addicted to endless menus and over-the-top concepts, Cotoletta dares to simplify. No distractions, no excess—just a fixed menu, a singular focus, and an unwavering commitment to getting every detail exactly right.

At its core, the concept is disarmingly simple: a menu built around one iconic dish. But this isn’t minimalism for trend’s sake—it’s discipline, precision, and a deep reverence for tradition. The Cotoletta alla Milanese, delicately finished with rosemary and lemon, isn’t just the centerpiece—it’s a masterclass in balance and restraint.

The experience begins with a thoughtful selection of antipasti that immediately set the tone.

The arancini arrive golden and crisp, giving way to a rich, savory interior that feels both comforting and elevated. The bruschetta, simple in theory, is executed with the same care—fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced, allowing each ingredient to speak without overcomplication.

It’s in these opening moments that you realize: nothing here is an afterthought.

Then comes the main event, accompanied by classic sides like spaghetti al pomodoro, house fries, and a peppery arugula salad.

And, of course, the fried zucchini—easily the best we’ve had. Light, crispy, and impossibly airy, it practically disintegrates on contact. It’s not just a side dish—it’s the side dish, quietly stealing the spotlight and drawing you back for one more bite.

There’s no decision fatigue here—only trust. And that trust is rewarded in every bite.

What Cotoletta does best isn’t just focusing on one dish—it’s perfecting every element that surrounds it.

That philosophy extends far beyond the plate.

Service at Cotoletta is deeply personal, almost intuitive. There’s a genuine sense that every guest is being cared for, not just served. Staff move with quiet confidence, remembering preferences, guiding the experience effortlessly, and treating each table as if it’s the only one that matters.

Every dish reflects that same level of intention—handled with precision, presented with pride, and delivered with care.

The experience is elevated further by a curated beverage program, including the crisp elegance of Italian Franciacorta—often referred to as Italy’s answer to champagne. It’s the perfect pairing: refined, effervescent, and effortlessly chic.

And just when you think the experience has peaked, dessert arrives.

The flourless chocolate cake is nothing short of decadent—rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy. It lingers in the best way, closing the meal on a note that feels indulgent yet intentional. The cheesecake is equally decadent.

The space mirrors the experience.

Warm, intimate, and quietly inviting, Cotoletta feels less like a restaurant and more like stepping into a friend’s home somewhere in Northern Italy. Soft lighting and a relaxed energy encourage you to linger—to savor not just the food, but the moment.

It’s this balance—precision and warmth, simplicity and sophistication—that defines Cotoletta.

Because when everything unnecessary is stripped away, what remains is what truly matters: exceptional food, genuine care, and a dining experience that feels deeply personal.

With Easter weekend around the corner, South Florida is offering a vibrant lineup of festive brunches, waterfront feasts and spring-inspired dining experiences. From elevated celebrations in Miami to laid-back island gatherings in Key West, here are standout spots to celebrate the holiday in style:

Miami 

Il Mulino New York – Miami at the Acqualina Resort & Residences

Il Mulino New York – Miami, the newly renovated and refreshed restaurant located inside the Acqualina Resor & Residences offers two distinct Easter Sunday prix fixe dining experiences:

The Sunday Prix Fixe Lunch Menu is priced at $49 per person features a three-course structure. Guests begin by choosing one appetizer, with options including Burrata Caprese, Insalata di Rucola, Insalata di Polipo, Vongole in white wine sauce, Insalata di Pomodori, or a Wedge Salad. For the second course, diners select one entrée from dishes such as Gamberi with cannellini beans, Paillard di Pollo, Piccata di Vitello al Limone, Linguine Nere with rock shrimp, Salmone, Dentice alla Livornese, or Branzino. The meal concludes with a choice of dessert, either Torta della Nonna or gelato.

In the evening, the Sunday Supper Menu is offered at $56 per person presents a four-course experience, again with one selection per course. Guests choose a primi such as Caprese, Calamari Fritti, Vongole Oreganata, Rucola, Gnocchi Sorrento, Cozze, Rigatoni Bolognese, or Melanzana con Ricotta, followed by a soup or salad course with a choice of Zuppa di Lenticchie or a traditional Caesar salad. For the main course, diners select one entrée from a wide range of options including Ravioli Porcini, Pappardelle con Salsiccia, Pollo Fra Diavolo, Pollo alla Scarpariello, Vitello alla Milanese, Pollo alla Parmigiana, Salmone alla Griglia, Piccata di Vitello al Limone, or Scaloppine al Marsala, with a Peppercorn Filet Mignon available for an additional charge. The experience concludes with dolci assortiti, featuring cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake, and tiramisù.

Smith & Wollensky (South Point Park) 

Guests visiting Smith & Wollensky Miami on Sunday can expect one of the most iconic oceanfront dining experiences in the city, set right on the edge of South Pointe Park with unbeatable, up-close views of the water and passing cruise ships. The menu showcases signature offerings designed for sharing, including USDA Prime dry-aged steaks like the bone-in ribeye and porterhouse for two, alongside indulgent seafood towers piled with oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster, and crab. Additional standout dishes include the signature Wollensky Salad, thick-cut bacon, jumbo lump crab cakes, and classic sides such as truffle mac & cheese and creamed spinach, making it an ideal setting for a lively, celebratory meal by the water. Learn more at the Smith & Wollensky Miami

Kings Doral

On April 4 at 8:00 p.m., adults can relive the chaos of festive egg hunts in a vibey atmosphere at Kings – no kids allowed and no reservation needed. While enjoying handcrafted food and tongue-and-cheek cocktails, guests can expect to break out their detective skills to find hidden eggs packed with prizes, food deals and surprises throughout the property in an Easter Egg Hunt After Dark. The guest who finds the Golden Egg will be awarded a complimentary party at Kings, including space for 12 friends to bowl, eat and play on the house. 

Key West

Pier House Resort & Spa 

Set just steps away from the water, One Duval offers a quintessential oceanfront setting for Easter brunch. On Sunday April 5  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated brunch buffet featuring seasonal dishes, elevated brunch classics, and handcrafted cocktails complete with a complimentary mimosa to celebrate the occasion. Menu highlights include Fluffy Pancakes with assorted toppings and Classic Eggs Benedict, alongside heartier offerings like the Herb-Crusted Prime Rib. A sweet finish comes by way of house-made Cinnamon Rolls and the iconic Key Lime Pie. The experience is priced at $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and $30 for children under 12. Book HERE.

La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection

Celebrate Easter Sunday on April 5 in the heart of Old Town at Perla, where a festive brunch buffet brings together vibrant, seasonal flavors in a lively, family-friendly setting. Available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the experience features an abundant spread of brunch favorites alongside elevated dishes like Lobster Benedict and Herb-Crusted Lamb. Sweet selections such as Key Lime Pie and Classic French Crème Brûlée round out the menu, with optional bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys available. Families are especially welcome, with the “Little Bunnies” children’s buffet and Easter egg hunt adding to the celebration. The brunch is priced at $65 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Book HERE.

A historic Miami Beach space is stepping back into the spotlight. The Bass Museum of Art celebrates the reopening of The Rotunda on March 28, 2026, debuting it with a powerful and inclusive installation: Welcome Wall (2015–2026) by Pascale Marthine Tayou.

Originally built in 1962 as part of the Miami Beach Public Library, The Rotunda once served as a hub for community gatherings, lectures, and cultural exchange. Now reimagined as a dynamic entry point to the museum and Collins Park, the space returns to its roots—welcoming the public once again for connection, creativity, and shared experiences.

Marking this reopening, Welcome Wall transforms The Rotunda into an immersive celebration of global identity. The installation features over 200 LED signs spelling “welcome” in languages from around the world, many of them rare or underrepresented. As the glowing words wrap around the circular space, visitors are surrounded by a powerful reminder of Miami’s diversity—and the universal desire to belong.

The reopening coincides with The Bass’s Art Outside Annual Picnic, a free, family-friendly community event taking place on opening day. Guests can expect an afternoon of outdoor art experiences, live programming, and interactive activities designed for all ages—making it the perfect way to explore the newly reopened Rotunda while enjoying Miami Beach’s vibrant cultural scene.

Expanded through a global community call, the work reflects voices both local and international, reinforcing The Rotunda’s renewed role as a place of gathering and discovery.

Free and open to the public, both the installation and picnic invite everyone to take part—because at The Bass, art (and community) is for all. For general museum information, visit
thebass.org. Follow on social media @thebassmoa.