Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On October - 22 - 2026
United by a love of great drinks, good company and a vacation mindset, Tommy Bahama and Ray’s Hometown Barare teaming up for a third year, and this time, Miami is getting in on the fun. The duo is bringing a limited-edition capsule and a weeklong takeover to Ray’s Miami location, giving locals and visitors every excuse to settle into island time.
Launching November 9, the limited-edition collection puts a Miami spin on off-duty staples: a signature silk camp shirt, T-shirt and cap in teal and coral. Custom artwork pairs Tommy Bahama’s iconic marlin with the cheeky tagline “Drink ’em with or without bait.”Shop the collection at Ray’s Miami and online atraysbarnyc.com.
From November 9–15, daily happy hours will keep the vacation spirit flowing with custom cocktails, while Freehand guests can take complimentary Tommy Bahama chairs and umbrellas to the beach. The brands will celebrate with “Island Time at Ray’s Miami” on November 12, 6–9 PM, featuring specialty drinks, a cigar cutting station and a prize wheel with Tommy Bahama and Ray’s giveaways
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On October - 21 - 2026
“What should we have for dinner?” It’s the age-old question that Casa Tua Cucina effortlessly answers—with something for everyone at the table.
Set within NoMad Residences Wynwood, the expansive space feels worlds away from the bustle of Wynwood’s epicenter. From the moment we arrived, we felt transported. Chic décor, warm lighting, rich wood textures and an effortlessly elegant atmosphere create the ambiance of an upscale restaurant rather than a traditional food hall.
Casa Tua Cucina features 10 specialized food stations, each dedicated to a distinct culinary specialty. Panini & Charcuterie, Pasta, Crudo & Grill, Sushi, Pizza, Il Bar, Dolci, Caffè & Tè, Frutta & Verdura, and Mercato & Fiori offer an impressive range of options, from fresh seafood and handmade pasta to pizza, cocktails, coffee and sweets.
The full-service dining experience brings these diverse offerings together under one roof. One guest can order sushi, another handmade pasta and another a steak—all served together at the same table.
Dinner began with the Focaccia Aromatica, a thick, artisanal focaccia fragrant with Italian herbs. Its golden, crisp exterior gave way to a pillowy center layered with creamy stracciatella and ribbons of Prosciutto Crudo di Parma. Rich, savory and utterly indulgent, it was an impressive opening act.
The Pomodoro Soup, finished with dollops of mozzarella, was another standout—one of the best we’ve tasted.
The sushi and ceviche were equally impressive, ranking among our favorites in Wynwood. The Nobashi Plantain Roll combined shrimp nobashi, mango, cream cheese, sweet plantain and eel sauce for a delicious sweet-savory balance. The Hamachi Roll, featuring shrimp tempura, crab, hamachi, Serrano peppers, spicy mayo and sriracha, delivered a satisfying combination of textures and heat.
The New York Strip, cooked to perfection, was every bit as impressive as the Australian lamb chops. Both were beautifully seasoned, with the depth of flavor and tenderness that make a memorable steakhouse meal. Paired with velvety truffle mashed potatoes, the combination was pure comfort with a luxurious Italian touch.
And then there were the cocktails.
The Casa Tua Martini and signature Negroni were perfectly suited to an evening that transitions effortlessly from drinks to dinner to more drinks!
What makes Casa Tua Cucina particularly appealing is its ability to satisfy every palate without anyone having to compromise. Sushi, seafood, ceviche, salads, pizza, panini, charcuterie, handmade pasta, steak, lamb chops and more can all arrive at the same table. Even a burger makes the menu.
Casa Tua Cucina makes a convincing case for pleasing everyone at the table—with exceptional variety, an elegant atmosphere and a distinctly Italian flair.
Casa Tua Cucina Wynwood NoMad Residences Wynwood 2700 NW Second Ave., Miami, FL Hours: 9 a.m.–11 p.m. daily More information: www.casatualife.com/cucina 786-772-0726
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On July - 10 - 2026
Everyone has a China Grill story.
During the halcyon days of South Beach, China Grill was where Miami came to celebrate- at a time when just about every moment was a cause for celebration. It was the backdrop for birthdays, anniversaries, business deals, pregame dinners before unforgettable nights out, spontaneous meet-cutes, and Valentine’s Day dinners that somehow didn’t begin until 1 a.m. It was where our favorite club mixes filled the room, where locals rubbed shoulders with celebrities, and where just about everyone we knew – or eventually became friends with shared a table at one time or another. China Grill wasn’t simply one of Miami’s hottest restaurants. It was an institution. A cultural landmark, an era of dining and nightlife that many still consider the golden age of South Beach.
For nearly two decades, it was far more than a restaurant-it was the heartbeat of South Beach and the place where unforgettable nights began. Housed in the same iconic building as Ocean Drive magazine, the publication that catapulted South Beach onto the global stage, China Grill became the epicenter that defined an era of dining, nightlife, and celebrity culture. Tastemakers and celebrities – including Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Lenny Kravitz, Dennis Rodman, Ricky Martin, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and countless athletes and supermodels gathered alongside South Beach personalities, promoters, club owners and local luminaries.
From there, the night continued through the evolution of Miami nightlife – from Amnesia, Bar Room, and GrooveJet to Liquid, Level, Crobar, Living Room, BED, SET, Mansion, Mynt, Skybar, and eventually LIV – each venue defining its own chapter in South Beach history. One night, after dinner at China Grill, we boarded a party bus with Adrian Grenier’s entourage on our way to SET- the site of Miami Socialholic’s fabulous launch party in 2009.
Now, China Grill has returned at Bal Harbour Shops, and it’s clear the legend is alive and well.
Walking through the doors felt less like visiting a new restaurant and more like coming home. Familiar faces, shared memories, and conversations all began with stories of the original China Grill. The energy was unmistakable, and the unique flavors that made China Grill famous have remained remarkably true to the originals while introducing exciting new dishes worthy of becoming modern classics.
The new space is sophisticated, elegant, and beautifully designed, striking the perfect balance between contemporary luxury and the unmistakable China Grill spirit.
The expansive outdoor terrace is a standout feature, complete with ceiling fans and outdoor air-conditioning units that make alfresco dining surprisingly comfortable—even during a Miami summer. Seriously…why can’t every outdoor restaurant in Miami do this?
No visit is complete without beginning with the restaurant’s signature Lobster Pancakes. Filled with wild mushrooms, red chili, scallions, and coconut milk, they remain every bit as decadent as longtime fans remember.
The Crackling Calamari Salad, dressed with its signature lime miso dressing, continues to deliver the perfect balance of crispy, sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors that made it a must-order for decades.
The Grilled Szechuan Beef remains a standout, signature favorite—tender beef paired with sake, soy, spicy shallots, crispy matchstick frites, and two irresistible sauces.
Of course, no China Grill experience is complete without the Peking Duck. Served with housemade pancakes and hoisin sauce, it remains one of Miami’s most celebrated dishes.
While the classics remain, the new menu introduces additions worthy of attention. The Chilean Sea Bass is buttery and perfectly prepared, complemented by hearts of palm, soy-ginger brown butter, and fresh herbs. The Onion Soup Dumplings transform the comforting flavors of French onion soup into delicate dumplings filled with rich, savory broth. The Crispy Shrimp & Mango Beggars’ Purses combine succulent shrimp, tropical sweetness, and Thai sweet chili sauce into one exceptional bite.
Choosing the best side is nearly impossible. The Wasabi Mash remains every bit as addictive as remembered, while the luxurious Truffle Mash is equally spectacular. Consider it a tie—both deserve a permanent place on every table. Also noteworthy is the Crispy Spinach which is so light, airy and delicious that it will delight even the spinach-averse.
The cocktail program is every bit as creative as the cuisine. Marco’s Escape, crafted with Suntory Toki Whisky, Chinola Passionfruit, lemon juice, passion fruit purée, basil, and ginger beer, is bright and refreshing. The Mango Mirage delivers pure Miami energy with Bacardi Rum, Chinola Mango, mango purée, lime, mint, and soda. Silk & Spice brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness with Corazón Tequila, jalapeño, cucumber, mint, lime, and agave. To finish, the Café Champa offers an elevated espresso martini experience with Grey Goose Vodka, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, espresso, and condensed milk. And while it’s not currently on the menu, the Lychee Martini deserves a special mention—it may be one of the best we’ve ever tasted.
Our return to China Grill began with an unforgettable brunch that perfectly captured the spirit of its comeback. The room was filled with the same effortless glamour that made the original legendary—friends lingering over cocktails, conversations flowing from table to table, and that unmistakable Miami energy that turns a meal into an occasion. It felt less like discovering a new restaurant and more like revisiting an old friend, proving that some experiences never go out of style.
China Grill hasn’t simply reopened.
It has reclaimed its place in Miami’s story. For those who remember the original, it’s a chance to relive the magic. For a new generation, it’s an opportunity to discover one of the restaurants that helped shape Miami’s dining scene and continues to set the standard for destination dining.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On May - 28 - 2026
Istituto Marangoni Miami celebrated the future of fashion in extraordinary form with La Grande Bellezza, its highly anticipated annual showcase presented May 20 at 8 p.m. at Jungle Plaza in the Miami Design District. Now in its third year, the production has evolved into far more than a student runway presentation — it has become one of Miami’s most sophisticated fashion events, operating at a level comparable to the polished showcases and emerging designer presentations seen during New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks.
From the moment guests arrived, the attention to detail was unmistakable. The custom-built set transformed Jungle Plaza into an effervescent Italian cityscape, immersing attendees in a cinematic environment inspired by the romance and grandeur of Italy while blending the vibrant American energy that defines Miami. The immersive buildout perfectly reflected the DNA of Istituto Marangoni Miami: internationally rooted, creatively ambitious, and undeniably modern.
Arianna Bergamaschi
Inspired by eternal elegance and the soul of Italian artistry, La Grande Bellezza transformed the runway into a living masterpiece. This year’s showcase celebrated the intricate textures, craftsmanship, and refined details that define Italian style while spotlighting the final collections of IMM’s graduating fashion design students. The result was an evening of exceptional creativity delivered with a level of professionalism rarely seen outside the global fashion capitals.
Unlike many emerging designer showcases that lean heavily into spectacle, IMM delivered a production grounded in precision and industry-level execution. From seamless show pacing and elevated styling to impeccable casting and technical direction, the evening carried the sophistication and discipline expected at elite international fashion presentations.
Eva Hughes
The evening was elegantly emceed by Eva Hughes, Executive Vice President of Istituto Marangoni Miami and a globally respected fashion media and luxury industry veteran. Hughes brought commanding presence, warmth, and unmistakable expertise to the production, guiding guests through the evening with the polished ease of a seasoned international fashion executive while reinforcing IMM’s growing influence within the global fashion conversation.
Archie Drury, Karolina Kurkova & Hakan Baykam
“In this, our third graduation showcase, we hope to continue to show the community not just how talented our student body is but how important it is to nurture and support that talent with access to top-tier instruction and industry opportunities,” said Hakan Baykam, President of Istituto Marangoni Miami. “La Grande Bellezza is a celebration of the beauty that comes to life when we provide the space for our students to birth their unique visions.”
Photo credit: World Red Eye
Miami’s fashion, art, and cultural communities gathered in full force to celebrate the city’s rapidly growing creative influence. Guests included supermodel Karolina Kurkova, celebrity stylists Danny Santiago and Irma Martinez, and influencers Gabriela Medina, Jenny Lopez, Elle Ullman, Roy Teng Moure, and many more. Models were beautifully made up by the Godina Worldwide team at GWT Beauty, bringing each designer’s vision to life with editorial-level sophistication as students debuted their collections on the runway for the very first time.
The night was further elevated by a captivating live performance from Italian singer and performer Arianna Bergamaschi, whose collaborations with internationally renowned artists including Andrea Bocelli, Pitbull, Shaggy, Michael Bolton, Il Volo, Flo Rida, and will.i.am brought an unmistakably international energy to the celebration.
Supported by longtime IMM partners including Swiss luxury watch brand RADO, the presentation reinforced Miami’s emergence as a legitimate global fashion destination — one capable of delivering cultural experiences with both creative depth and world-class execution. Witnessing an inspiring display of fresh perspectives, innovative craftsmanship, and boundary-pushing aesthetics, La Grande Bellezza further positioned Miami as an internationally recognized center for creativity, design, and emerging artistic voices.
Following the show, VIP guests proceeded to the neighboring and iconic Moore Building for an intimate afterparty sponsored by LALO Tequila and Ethica Wines. The celebration continued late into the evening with decadent treats from Rosetta Bakery alongside one of the night’s standout culinary moments: made-to-order truffle pizzas by Verace Artisan Pizza, served fresh throughout the party as guests toasted an evening that seamlessly blended artistry, sophistication, and the future of fashion. La Grande Bellezza proved that Miami’s fashion scene has arrived, polished ready for the international spotlight.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On April - 22 - 2026
The velvet ropes at 2000 Collins Avenue officially parted on April 17, marking the arrival of Leonardo—a debut that was as spectacularly generous as it was impeccably styled. Leonardo’s grand opening fete set itself apart with an air of genuine, old-world abundance. From the first pour of the top-shelf open bar to the meticulously dressed crowd that filled the room, the evening felt like a high-society dinner party where the hosts truly cared that every glass remained full and every guest felt like the center of the universe.
The 4,500-square-foot destination captures the essence of lingering, soulful Italian dinners, bringing that spirit to the heart of Miami Beach. The space feels like a cinematic set from the 1930s- deep green walls and warm, aged wood finishes create an intimate, moody backdrop, while ornate chandeliers cast a golden glow over a collection of Leonardo da Vinci-inspired artwork that pays homage to the restaurant’s namesake.
The culinary experience, led by Tuscan-born Executive Chef Andrea Albanese, is a masterclass in theatrical indulgence. While the menu boasts a robust raw bar and refined starters like Beef Carpaccio with 36-month Parmigiano-Reggiano, the undisputed star of the night was the Fettuccine alla Leonardo. In a display of pure culinary decadence, the pasta was finished inside a massive wheel of Parmesan before being topped with a lavish, aromatic cascade of freshly shaved truffles—a gesture of luxury that perfectly mirrored the generosity of the evening. Other highlights, like the flambéed whole branzino and the succulent Linguine Aragosta with Maine lobster, ensured that the table remained the focal point of the night.
As the clock struck 10:30 p.m., the energy underwent a masterfully executed shift directed by co-owner Mehdi Vanden Broeck. Known for his fingerprints on Miami icons like Kiki on the River and Bagatelle, Vanden Broeck oversaw a transition where the dining room’s sophisticated hum evolved into a vibrant late-night spectacle. The evening reached a fever pitch with the arrival of world-class entertainment; a mesmerizing fire dancer commanded the floor with hypnotic precision, while a live singer—who was a dead ringer for Michael Bublé—serenaded the room with soulful, swing-era classics that had the crowd swaying between courses.
The cocktail program further cemented the night’s inventive spirit, featuring standout sips like the pancetta-washed Italian Old-Fashioned and the floral Hibiscus martini. Whether guests were lingering over a Tomato Peach Negroni or dancing amidst the sparklers and champagne, the sentiment remained the same: Leonardo is a rare return to the ritual of the long, luxurious meal. Open for dinner throughout the week with late-night hours stretching until 3 a.m. on peak nights, Leonardo has officially claimed its stake as the new epicenter of Miami Beach’s social scene, where the hospitality is as rich as the truffles.
Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On March - 27 - 2026
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.
