Volcanic Sushi + Sake  has managed to elevate the gastronomic landscape of Gainesville, Florida. Yes, you read it correctly, Gainesville- a place not typically associated with haute cuisine. However, impeccable taste(s) and flavors know no geographical boundaries.

From the moment you step into Volcanic Sushi, the ambiance exudes a sense of sophistication that one might not expect in this quaint Florida town. The minimalist yet stylish décor sets the stage for what can only be described as a culinary performance. A far cry from the casual eateries one might associate with college towns, Volcanic Sushi proves that style and substance can indeed coexist.

Now, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance – the sushi itself. The name “Volcanic Sushi” might sound dramatic, but rest assured, it lives up to the hype. The rolls are nothing short of art forms, each piece meticulously crafted to perfection. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every bite, proving that even in Gainesville, one can find a sushi experience that rivals those in the culinary capitals of the world.

The menu boasts a selection of rolls that go beyond the ordinary, showcasing creativity and innovation.  From the delicate dance of flavors in the “Eruption Roll” to the bold statements made by the “Lava Dragon Roll,” each dish is a testament to the chef’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional sushi. Volcanic Sushi’s loyal following has led to several specialty rolls being named after its regular guests. Our favorites include: Melissa Bites, Son’s Special, Alexander, Mark II, Newell Fox, and John I. Each bite we tasted was absolutely delightful. The sake selection is equally impressive, with each bottle carefully chosen to complement the unique flavors of the rolls.

Volcanic Sushi’s success is the result of the expertise and dedication of chef/owner, Nestor Espartero, whose official title is CEO and Chief Sushi Officer. It comes as no surprise that Espartero is a three time champion of Iron Chef Gainesville (2019,2020 and 2021) and double bronze medalist Sushi Master in a Miami Competition.

In addition to two Volcanic Sushi locations in Gainesville, Espartero has opened a Miami location. For his newest outpost, his vision is to own the most desired Asian Restaurant in the Cutler Bay area by providing outstanding quality innovative food, exceptional service and cleanliness. “Our mission is to bring great taste and happiness to each of our customers and to enhance the life of each or our staff members by providing them the right training and wisdom and to promote KAIZEN (a strong culture of constant improvement) as part of our daily lives.”

For more information about Volcanic Sushi, visit: https://www.volcanicsushisake.com.

With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, the folks at Casa Lumbre have shared some of their top margarita recipes with a twist.

Created in Mexico, the margarita has become the #1 best-selling cocktail in the US with 185,000 consumed per hour in the US. Crafted with authentic Mexican spirits, these cocktails are sure to create a festive mood any time of the year. See some recipes below.  

As if we needed more of a reason to love Sol de Janeiro, the brand has just launched its very own skin loving sun care line.

Featuring three all-new formulations, Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Lotion, Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray and Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Oil – each scented with Sol de Janeiro’s beachy and nostalgic Cheirosa 87 scent with notes of solar tuberose and leite de coco — there’s an option for all preferences.

The lightweight SPF 50 body care hydrates for silky, smoother-feeling skin. Bask in our beachy & nostalgic Cheirosa 87 scent with notes of solar tuberose and leite de coco.

All Rio Radiance SPF available at Sephora and Sol de Janeiro.com.

ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Sticks are set to redefine your makeup routine, offering a flawless fusion of foundation and concealer and 42 shades, to make your skin look like skin.

This “fountain of youth” in a stick harnesses the power of a Ceramide-Peptide Complex to reinforce the skin barrier and visibly reduce fine lines, while Butterfly Lavender Extract provides an instant and long-term improvement in skin cohesion, reducing wrinkles and enhancing moisturization. Additionally, Kelp Extract acts as a protective shield, reversing signs of aging by increasing firmness and improving elasticity, resulting in a weightless foundation + concealer hybrid that not only beautifies but also nourishes your skin for a youthful, lifted look that lasts up to 12 hours. For more information visit, ILIA .

One of the highlights of this year’s SOBEWFF was sampling the spirits created by Casa Lumbre, a spirits brand which prides itself on producing premium, farm-to-bottle Mexican spirits with unique sensorial qualities that appeal to trade and consumers alike. Miami Socialholic had the opportunity to meet and interview the dynamic team behind the brand to find out what puts Casa Lumbre in a class of its own.

What is unique about Casa Lumbre?

Founded in Mexico, Casa Lumbre was born with a bold spirit and a clear purpose: to challenge the limits of conventional to create new generations of unique and culturally iconic brands. Driven by passion, innovation and talent, Casa Lumbre anticipates trends and identifies opportunities to bring extraordinary brands and experiences to life that ignite the senses and emotions, enriching people around the world.

​​Casa Lumbre stands out for its unwavering commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and the exploration of traditional techniques married with innovative approaches. Our spirits are not just beverages; they are expressions of centuries-old traditions infused with contemporary creativity. Each bottle encapsulates a story, a journey through time and culture, making Casa Lumbre an experience as much as a product.

In the space where so much competition exists, what do you do to stand out?

Despite the crowded market, Casa Lumbre distinguishes itself through a commitment to excellence in every aspect of production. From sourcing the finest ingredients to employing meticulous distillation methods, we prioritize quality above all. Additionally, our dedication to craft and community engagement sets us apart, fostering a deeper connection with our consumers beyond just the product itself.

What’s the inspiration behind Casa Lumbre? How did you decide to get into this competitive environment?

Casa Lumbre is born from a profound appreciation for the rich heritage of Mexican spirits and the desire to share these treasures with the world. Our founders were driven by a passion for craftsmanship and a vision to redefine the spirits landscape by reintroducing forgotten traditions and flavors. Despite the competitive nature of the industry, our commitment to authenticity and innovation emboldened us to enter this challenging yet rewarding arena.

What are your sustainability efforts?

During the inception of Casa Lumbre, we designed a 5-way approach to our philosophy when creating brands that covers the following areas: environmental impact, shared values, scalable solution-oriented, social awareness and always meeting best agricultural practices.

Through this 5-tier approach, we have focused our team on exploring alternative renewable heat sources, seeking the recovery of land that has lost its purpose due to climate change or lack of water, designing equipment to use less water for distillation, designing waste management projects for all brands, ensuring no deforestation on new land and creating job opportunities for farmers with legal and social benefits.

What’s the thought process behind expanding to other spirits?

Our decision to expand into other spirits is rooted in a desire to further explore and celebrate the diverse global drinking culture. Each new venture represents an opportunity to delve into unique flavor profiles, cultural traditions, and production methods, allowing us to broaden our horizons while staying true to our commitment to excellence and innovation.

You have some interesting brand ambassadors. How do you select your brand ambassadors? How do they align with your values?

Our brand ambassadors are selected based on their genuine passion for Casa Lumbre’s mission, their deep understanding of our products, and their ability to authentically represent our brand values. We seek individuals who embody the spirit of craftsmanship, authenticity, and community, and whose personal ethos aligns seamlessly with ours. Through meaningful collaborations and shared values, our ambassadors serve as authentic advocates, enriching the Casa Lumbre experience for our consumers.

Where can Casa Lumbre be purchased/tasted?

Many of our brands can be found at great bars and restaurants around the city such as: Sweet Liberty, DOYA. Medium Cool and Minibar and our brands can be purchased to take home at Vintage Wine and Liquors In Midtown.

Additionally, we regularly host tasting events and collaborate with bars and restaurants throughout Miami and NYC that share our commitment to quality and innovation, providing opportunities for consumers to experience the unique flavors and craftsmanship of Casa Lumbre spirits firsthand.

The one and only, Busta Rhymes will headline this year’s  The Little Lighthouse Foundation’s (LLF) 14th annual Hearts & Stars Gala. The event will take place on Saturday, March 16th, from 9PM to 2AM at the Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza. All proceeds will support LLF’s mission to aid underserved children and families in South Florida facing educational, financial, and medical hardships.

This year’s gala, hosted by the acclaimed Jenise Fernandez, a six-time Emmy award-winning anchor and reporter from Local 10 ABC News, is to feature live performances throughout the night, and music by Ibiza DJ Jordi Ruz inviting guests to dance the night away. In keeping with the Tokyo theme, the gala will feature culinary delights from top South Florida restaurants and caterers, including Kissaki, Pubbelly Sushi, Suviche, and more, paired with an extravagant production for a memorable experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of premium beverages from an open bar sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bacardi Rum, El Mayor Tequila, Penelope Bourbon, Kirin Ichiban, Stella Artois, Tita Italian Fine Wines, Soto Sake, Odyssey Energy Drink, LaCroix sparkling water, and Icelandic still water.

The evening will also include a special video game activation, a Samurai Lounge, drift cars, a silent auction item from “Whip Fundraising” and a live auction, including the Zero-G Experience and  a yacht package from Regal Yachts. The VIP lounge area will offer a two kilogram Calvisius Caviar station sponsored by Tita Italian.

During the event, LLF will present its Shining Light Award to Harley Lipman, CEO & Founder of Genesis10, and honor Aaron Lucus as its Volunteer of the Year.

Tickets and VIP tables are available for purchase at www.HeartsAndStarsGala.com. VIP tables offer nightclub-style seating for 10 with unlimited bottle service. General Admission tickets start with a donation of $250 per person, with VIP access available for $750 per person. The required donation to attend will increase. Black-tie formal attire is required.