Situated in a busy strip mall in Aventura, the stylish Pilar Local Restaurant &
Bar has become a favorite among locals and part-time residents, offering seafood-focused American
classics prepared with locally-sourced and peak-of-the-season ingredients, all at approachable
prices.

Leading the restaurant’s “scratch kitchen” is dynamic, executive chef Erica Nicholl, a rising talent with a passion for creating expressive fare with a Southern disposition. A Dallas-native and award-winning pastry chef, Erica has worked in a number of notable kitchens throughout her hometown –
including George Bush’s Presidential Library and the prominent Crescent Hotel by Rosewood
Hotels & Resorts, named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Hotels,” where she maintained
executive positions in both the savory and pastry kitchens while also preparing private meals for A-list celebrities, dignitaries and notables.

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Cricket has upped the ante on hair styling products in its award winning Ultra Smooth Collection with the launch of the Ultra Smooth Styling Iron. The iron is the first of its kind to feature ceramic coated plates infused with Keratin Protein and Argan Oil, which add luster and strength to hair.  Keratin Protein provides hair with strength, shine and manageability, and also reduces frizz. Argan Oil hydrates locks and repairs damage, while smoothing the cuticle for a conditioned, healthy finish.

The Ultra Smooth Styling Iron retails for $89.95 and is available at www.Folica.com.

Hailing from France, Jean and Carène Zaragoza have recently brought French flair to Miami by opening Cafe 221, a lovely organic, farm-to-table restaurant in Downtown. The menu offers a variety of items including fresh pastries baked daily, 100% organic smoothies, juices, hormone and antibiotic free meats such as burgers or meatballs, sandwiches, salads, and savory toasts.  We highly recommend  The Farmer, a succulent chicken sandwich “which just isn’t fair” according to a fellow diner. Members of the Tribe will appreciate the bagels and lox and the  pastrami sandwich and burger are also worth a try. Be sure to save room for one of Carene’s desserts- the carrot cake and cheesecake are musts.

221 Cafe brings healthy, natural and organic options to the community. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch daily with an emphasis on healthy, nutrient rich cuisine. It also features all-natural and organic cheeses, coffee by Panther Coffee, and Zak the Baker breads. The couple has cultivated a modern and eco-friendly atmosphere in the space with woodwork handcrafted by Jean.

221 Cafe is located at 221 NW 1st Avenue.

*For more information, visit www.221cafe.us or call (786) 563 – 2268. Follow 221 Cafe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @221Cafe

*Metered street parking is available directly in front of the restaurant.

A beautiful partnership From renowned Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Alan Serure, and Clarins—Europe’s No.1 prestige skin care brand—comes the first MedSpa of its kind. Treatments were specifically developed–combining powerful plant formulas and the expertise of the Clarins Touch–to optimize the quality of the skin prior to a medical procedure, and improve the way it looks, feels, and heals during recovery. Dr. Serure’s Clarins-trained Medical Aestheticians are available to perform gentle, 100% Manual MedSpa Treatments for every inch of skin, to ensure the face and body remain flawless. Read the rest here »

Martina Borgomanero Basabe

It is now December 11 and everywhere pre-vacation congestion starts and I am not talking about the flu. Traffic gets crazy, stores get busy, people invade the streets for Christmas shopping, whether it is tree, tree decorations, or a very large amount of presents to buy for family and friends.

Not in Miami.

In Miami, second week of December equals to ghost town. Restaurants are empty, people are zombies, streets are deserted and all of this because of one reason and one only – Post Basel Syndrome (PBS).

Let’s start from the beginning – allegedly Art Basel runs for four days, this year from December 4 to 7. NOT TRUE. Art Basel runs for a solid ten, starting the weekend before and finishing the weekend after the week of the actual exhibits, and reaches a peak during those four days and three nights that is comparable only to a freight train that derails, hits everyone and everything around it, but just keeps on going leaving desolation behind. Hence – ghost town.

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Lucy Morillo, Criselda Breene, Dr. Kini, Sofial Joelsson, Calora Pimentel, & Cassie Preston

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Champagne wishes, caviar dreams and the best truffle risotto delighted well-heeled (pun intended) Miami influencers and socialites at the highly-anticipated Wine, Women & Shoes Kick-off party benefiting Miami Children’s Health Foundation which took place on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

The glamorous event was hosted by renowned interior designer, Sofia Joelsson on the gorgeous rooftop of her penthouse home in South Beach to celebrate the upcoming 4th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes presented by Sergio Rossi, which is scheduled for February 4, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.

The event served as a backdrop for chairs Carola Pimentel and Criselda Breene to announce Sergio Rossi as this year’s High Heel Presenting Sponsor. Read the rest here »