Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 15 - 2025
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 September - 23 - 2025
Photo Credit: Richard Sandoval Hospitality
Chef Richard Sandoval is once again bringing his renowned Día de los Muertos celebration to Toro Toro, the Pan-Latin steakhouse at the InterContinental Miami. From October 1 through November 3, guests can feast on a month-long sensory journey that honors Sandoval’s Mexican heritage and blurs the line between the living and the spiritual.
This year’s theme is all about the moon—a powerful symbol of cycles, memory, and connection in Latin culture. The restaurant will be serving an exclusive, a la carte menu of culturally significant dishes and cocktails inspired by the moon’s phases.
Dishes include the Pozole De Langosta ($54), featuring lobster, hominy corn, and guajillo chili, and the Ofrenda De Cempasúchil ($57), with tender lamb, purple potato mash, and a smoky chipotle hibiscus sauce. For a sweet finale, indulge in the Calabaza En Tacha ($24), a slow-cooked candied squash with cinnamon ice cream.
To complement the meal, sip on specialty cocktails like the Mythic Essence ($20), a blend of Sotol, tangerine, and honey, or the Moon’s Embrace ($22), with Mexican whiskey, bourbon, and notes of coffee and rose.
Reservations are highly encouraged through OpenTable and at torotoromiami.com.
Toro Toro Miami is located at the InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On September - 4 - 2025
One of Miami’s most anticipated foodie fundraisers is back. On Thursday, November 6, 2025, March of Dimes will host its annual Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood event at Briza on the Bay, bringing together top chefs, community leaders, and advocates for a night that tastes as good as it feels.
At the helm this year is Joanne Ruggiero, CEO of Jackson Memorial Medical Center, who is leading the campaign with her trademark passion for maternal and infant health. The evening also celebrates Dr. Rodrigo Ruano, Chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of Miami and Director of the UHealth Jackson Fetal Care Center. Dr. Ruano will receive the 2nd Annual Mission Impact Award for pioneering in-utero procedures, including Florida’s first fetal brain embolization and groundbreaking advances in spina bifida repair surgery—work that has saved lives and transformed outcomes for high-risk pregnancies.
Of course, no Miami soirée is complete without incredible food and drink. Guests will savor signature bites from local favorites like Arcano, Chris Valdes Catering, Bulla Gastrobar, Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard and Bar, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, Pisco y Nazca, Quinto, Toro Toro at InterContinental Miami, and more. Adding to the culinary magic, Sunshine Steaks & Provisions joins as the Signature Culinary Partner, while Bacardi returns as the Signature Cocktail Partner to keep spirits flowing.
Expect more than just good taste—the evening features an inspiring program, a high-energy live auction, and the chance to support Fund the Mission, directly fueling March of Dimes’ critical work in research, advocacy, education, and family support.
For tickets, sponsorships, or partnership opportunities, visit signaturechefs.org/event/miami or contact Sara Bloom at sbloom@marchofdimes.org or (786) 475-9339.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 18 - 2025
Perry’s Porch, the newest concept from Seed & Feed Hospitality Group (behind local favorites Trophy Fish, Mandarin Hide, and El Cap), has arrived to St. Pete’ Pier in full, fabulous force—serving up bold flavors, maximalist design, and a cocktail list that’s practically a local love letter.
But Perry’s Porch is more than just a place to eat. It’s a tribute to C. Perry Snell, the visionary who helped shape the city’s architectural soul. Blending timeless design with a modern twist, the space reflects the city’s evolution: elegant, welcoming, a little whimsical, and always effortlessly cool.
“As lifelong residents of St. Pete, we’re proud to contribute to the city’s continued growth and vibrancy with Perry’s Porch,” said Ryan Griffin, co-owner of Seed & Feed. “The St. Pete Pier is an iconic location, and we’re honored to be part of its story. We’re looking forward to creating a space that feels welcoming and reflective of our city’s charm.”
The Vibe: Stylish and Bustling, Yet Relaxed
Located beside the St. Petersburg Museum of History, Perry’s Porch offers indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping views of the bay and skyline. It’s a space made for lingering—whether you stop in for a quick bite or settle into a long, languid meal with friends and cocktails as the sun dips low. It’s stylish and bustling, yet relaxed, like a well-dressed friend who never makes you feel underdressed.
The interiors are just as inviting: wall-to-wall artwork, brass animal heads, and cheeky brass monkeys balancing fruit baskets across the bar. It’s polished but playful—elevated design with a sense of humor. And with live music drifting from the terrace throughout the day, there’s a rhythm here that draws you in—and makes you want to stay awhile.
The Menu: Coastal, Classic, and Comforting
Perry’s Porch is a day-to-night destination, beginning with locally roasted Kahwa coffee and fresh-baked pastries in the morning, and rolling into sandwiches, salads, and full-flavored dinner plates by evening. Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind gelato cart, parked near the entrance like a wink to childhood memories—with rotating flavors served to both diners and curious passersby.
While everything on the menu leans fresh and flavorful, there are two standouts: the chargrilled octopus—tender, smoky, and unmissable—and the burger, a perfectly seasoned, charred-to-perfection classic that feels indulgent without being over the top.
The Cocktails: Sip the Spirit of St. Pete
Created in collaboration with the team at Mandarin Hide, Perry’s Porch’s beverage program is both playful and polished. Each cocktail is named for a local landmark and thoughtfully built for flavor, flair, and fun. Whether you’re a neat spirits drinker or a fruit-forward fan, there’s something you’ll love.
🍸 Sunken Gardens: A botanical beauty made with gin, elderflower, cucumber, and lime, with just a touch of basil syrup and soda. Light, fragrant, and garden-fresh—served tall with an edible flower crown.
🍹 Pink Streets Margarita: A tangy, pink-hued twist on a classic, mixing blanco tequila, rosé aperitivo, grapefruit and lime, and a hint of hibiscus syrup. Tart, crisp, and as pretty as its namesake neighborhood.
🥃 Derby Lane: Dark, smooth, and smoky—this one’s all about smoked bourbon, amaro, and orange bitters, served over a single cube with a flamed orange peel. Sexy and contemplative, like a good mystery novel.
✨ Golden Dragon Martini: The showstopper. Vodka, lychee liqueur, pineapple, and a splash of bubbly, dusted with edible gold. Served in a coupe glass, it’s part drink, part crown jewel.
🍓 Strauberry Park: A playful twist on a whiskey sour, blending bourbon, strawberry syrup, lemon, and a frothy top of egg white. Finished with a pink peppercorn dusting for a sweet-meets-spice finish.
🌴 Jungle Prada: A tropical escape in a glass, made with dark rum, passionfruit, lime, and falernum, served over crushed ice and dressed like a tiki queen. You’ll want your camera for this one.
Each cocktail is crafted to be as transportive as the view—a flavor-driven celebration of the city’s soul, with just the right dose of mischief.
Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
Our server was so friendly, we nearly invited her to pull up a chair—and she would’ve fit right in. That’s the Seed & Feed Hospitality Group difference: authentic warmth, effortless charm, and a feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Perry’s Porch
335 2nd Avenue NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(Next to the St. Petersburg Museum of History on St. Pete Pier)
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On June - 11 - 2025
Amid the bustle of Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile, La Pata Gorda offers something rare: an Ecuadorian seafood restaurant that feels as refined as it is rooted. Born from a beloved concept in Ecuador, this stateside outpost honors its culinary heritage with thoughtful execution, unique ingredients, and an authentic, approachable atmosphere.
The restaurant draws a loyal following from Miami’s Ecuadorian community—diners who know the cuisine intimately and come here for a taste of home. Yet its appeal is expansive. From first-time visitors to devoted regulars, guests are drawn into an immersive dining experience that blends coastal Ecuadorian tradition with a sophisticated Miami sensibility.
La Pata Gorda specializes in Ecuador’s bold, seafood-forward flavors—where freshness and simplicity meet depth and technique. Several standout dishes bring the country’s coastal identity into sharp, delicious focus.
Jipijapa-Style Ceviche: An iconic Ecuadorian ceviche: shrimp, octopus and the catch of the day with roasted peanuts sauce and citrus marinade
Seafood Chicharrón A golden medley of calamari, shrimp, and fish, served with chifles (plantain chips) and a tangy carretillero sauce. Crisp, flavorful, and comforting.
Crab & Shrimp Salad Delicately chilled and topped with roasted garlic mayo, chives, house sauce, and patacones—this dish is light but richly seasoned.
Mangrove Crab Claws A signature offering, served whole and paired with warm melted butter. The sweetness of Ecuador’s cangrejo de manglar is unmatched, making this dish a standout indulgence.
Carapacho Croquetas Crafted from Ecuadorian mangrove crab and subtly sweet plantains, these croquettes are lightly fried and served with a creamy dipping sauce. Elegant and slightly playful.
Grilled Conchas A refined coastal delicacy: fresh black clams topped with slices of tender Spanish octopus, finished with a delicate, slightly spicy glaze. Smoky, briny, and deeply satisfying.
For guests looking to explore a range of the kitchen’s best work, the La Pata Gorda Platter is a must. This tasting menu brings together:
Jipijapa-style ceviche
Seafood chicharrón
Crab and shrimp salad
Signature mangrove crab claws
Balanced in portion and beautifully plated, the platter is an ideal entry point for those discovering Ecuadorian cuisine or seeking to share multiple specialties at the table.
La Pata Gorda blends rustic charm with refined design—think exposed wood, ambient lighting, and nautical touches without cliché. The mood is sophisticated yet warm, with a sense of ease that invites lingering over a second cocktail or dessert.
During televised Ecuadorian national soccer matches, the dining room becomes a gathering space for the community. There’s energy and enthusiasm, but the experience remains polished: more celebratory than chaotic.
The overwhelmingly Ecuadorian clientele speaks volumes about the restaurant’s authenticity. This is where those who know the cuisine best come to reconnect—with familiar flavors, with friends, and with the rituals of home.
La Pata Gorda is located at: 232 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; telephone number: (305) 456-5085.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On November - 20 - 2024
MOMENTO by Ikaro is where the grit of Spanish and Ecuadorian roots collides with Miami’s unrelenting pulse. Led by Michelin-starred chefs Carolina Sanchez and Iñaki Murua, it’s a love letter to the flavors of La Rioja and Ecuador, wrapped in the vibrant chaos of Downtown Miami. This isn’t just another stateside outpost—it’s an immersive culinary experiment, where tradition and innovation meet head-on, anchored by a state-of-the-art wood oven and meticulous seasonal ingredients.
The chefs: Iñaki, hailing from the vineyards of Laguardia, Álava; and Carolina, the first Ecuadorian chef to snag a Michelin star, are culinary alchemists. Their La Rioja-based Ikaro restaurant has already earned Michelin and Repsol nods, and in 2023, they were named gastronomic ambassadors of La Rioja. At MOMENTO, their menu pushes boundaries: Amazonian Tiradito cured and smoked with a signature neapia sauce, Wood-Fired Branzino in sweet and sour escabeche, slow-cooked Glazed Bone-In Short Rib with tamarillo BBQ, and their showstopper—tonka bean foam, the Espuma de Abatonca. This isn’t just food; it’s an all-out flavor riot, where even the Lotus Cheesecake gets a Basque twist, topped with Biscoff cookies.
MOMENTO is more than a restaurant. It’s a story, where every dish is another chapter in the saga of Spain and Ecuador intersecting within Miami’s rich culinary landscape.
MOMENTO by Ikaro’s interior blends traditional and handmade elements sourced from Chef Sanchez’s hometown in Ecuador with metropolitan sophistication, inviting diners on a voyage of taste and discovery. Featuring a lush alfresco dining terrace and a state-of-the-art open kitchen that connects guests to culinary artistry, the restaurant exudes both comfort and elegance with plush furnishings, vintage and modern art, textured plaster walls, and layered rugs. Natural features like climbing vines, lush potted plants, and a striking entrance graced with vibrant bougainvilleas create an enchanting, garden-like atmosphere.
The lively bar serves creative cocktails and features a daily happy hour. Don’t miss the espresso martini with truffle foam. There’s also a cozy lounge/nightclub in the back with a state-of -the-art lighting and sound system- for those who want to keep the party going.
For more information about MOMENTO by Ikaro visit: https://www.momentomiami.com
