Posted by Maryanne Salvat On January - 14 - 2026ADD COMMENTS
InterContinental Miami is turning up the volume in the 305 with the debut of ICON Live: A Monthly Music Series, inviting locals and visitors to soak in Miami’s rhythm under the stars. Beginning this month, every third Thursday from 7PM to 9PM, the hotel’s chic outdoor Picante Terrace transforms into a vibrant live‑music lounge overlooking the glittering Biscayne Bay.
Created as a tribute to Miami’s dynamic homegrown music scene, ICON Live brings together music lovers for an evening of high‑energy performances, handcrafted cocktails, and unbeatable waterfront vibes.
The series kicks off on Thursday, January 22, in partnership with KISS Country 99.9, featuring a special performance by Orlando Mendez, the Miami‑born Cuban country artist who stole hearts on NBC’s The Voice (Season 22). Expect Mendez to bring the heat—blending country soul with Miami spice for a night that promises pure fun and unforgettable energy.
The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30PM, and guests can enjoy exclusive giveaways from KISS Country 99.9. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. Attendees must be 21+, and Eventbrite tickets with QR codes are required for entry.
Music lovers can also mark their calendars for upcoming ICON Live dates on February 19 and March 19, each offering its own unique experience.
InterContinental Miami is located at 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami. To reserve your spot, visit: www.icmiamihotel.com/IconLive
Follow along:
Facebook:www.facebook.com/intercontinentalMiami/ (facebook.com in Bing) www.facebook.com/ToroToroMiami (facebook.com in Bing)
Instagram:www.instagram.com/interconmiami/ (instagram.com in Bing) www.instagram.com/torotoromiami/ (instagram.com in Bing)
Posted by Maryanne Salvat On January - 14 - 2026ADD COMMENTS
Bulla Gastrobar is giving winter comfort food a bold Spanish twist. Beginning Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Centurion Restaurant Group’s beloved Spanish dining destination will debut a limited-time winter menu, thoughtfully crafted by Culinary Director Felix Plasencia and designed to warm up Florida’s coolest months.
This seasonal lineup blends cozy flavors with Bulla’s signature creativity. Standout dishes include Caldo Gallego, a hearty Galician soup layered with chorizo, spinach, white alubias, and smoky pork shank, and Huevos Cabreados, a fiery favorite featuring eggs, shrimp, crispy shoestring potatoes, brava sauce, and paprika.
Adding even more Spanish flair, Mushrooms con Chorizo delivers bold, savory bites—chorizo paired with cremini mushrooms, mozzarella, garlic brisket sauce, and a crusty baguette perfect for soaking up every last drop. Meat lovers will gravitate toward the Mallorcan-Style Lamb, braised low and slow for four hours and served with piquillo confit, garlic chips, and patatas panaderas.
Vegetable-forward diners won’t be disappointed either. The new Brussels Sprouts dish balances nutty, earthy flavors with sweet maple syrup, a hint of red pepper flakes, fresh lemon juice, and smoky Spanish paprika, all topped with crispy shoestring potatoes. For dessert, Cheesecake de Maracuyá steals the spotlight—a silky passion fruit cheesecake that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
Raising a glass to the season, Bulla also introduces a new cocktail: the Coconut Margarita, a tropical blend of Brugal 1888, tequila, coconut cream, lime, pineapple juice, and simple syrup.
Available for a limited time only, Bulla Gastrobar’s winter menu celebrates the flavors of the season with dishes worth savoring—making now the perfect time to plan a visit before these offerings disappear.
WHEN & WHERE
Bulla Gastrobar Coral Gables 2500 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 15 - 2025ADD COMMENTS
Graziano’s is officially bringing back its Annual Holiday Food Block Party on December 18th, and this year’s celebration is bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever. Taking over the heart of Coral Gables, the evening blends Argentine tradition, global flavors, live music, and holiday cheer for a great cause.
Expect open-fire Argentine cooking, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, unlimited tastings of international wines and local & global beers, plus live performances bringing jazz, cumbia, and Latin flair by Electric Kif, MOONJAXX, and Dr. Calavera. The festive energy continues with a holiday market, featuring stocking embroidery, gift basket wrapping, and seasonal shopping moments you won’t want to miss.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Camillus House, supporting essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness in South Florida — making this a celebration that truly gives back.
Your ticket includes:
• Unlimited food & drinks
• A commemorative Graziano’s wine glass
• 25% off all wine bottles and Mercado retail items (event day only)
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 15 - 2025ADD COMMENTS
Say hello to your best sleep yet. The iSense FlexiCool Adjustable Pillow is redefining nighttime comfort with a luxe, personalized approach that feels as good as it looks. Designed for sleepers who want it their way, this pillow lets you fine-tune both height and firmness by adding or removing foam until it perfectly matches your sleep style—plush, firm, or somewhere in between.
The first thing you’ll notice is the cool-to-the-touch, silky-soft outer cover. Powered by FlexiCool Technology and lined with moisture-wicking Dacron aqua fiberfill, it helps regulate temperature around your head, neck, and shoulders—so you fall asleep faster and stay comfortable all night long. No overheating. No tossing and turning.
Inside, premium cross-cut memory foam cubes infused with temperature-regulating gel beads provide breathable, pressure-relieving support in any sleeping position. Each cube is spun with anti-bunching polyester fiber for consistent comfort, night after night. And with CertiPUR-US certified foam, you can rest easy knowing the materials are safe, high-quality, and thoughtfully designed.
Unlike one-size-fits-all pillows, the FlexiCool adapts to you—supporting proper spinal alignment and delivering that elusive, truly restorative sleep.
For more information and to order: http://www.myisense.com/
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2025ADD COMMENTS
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.
Posted by Maryanne Salvat On December - 11 - 2025ADD COMMENTS
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.
