FAMAE

I’m sure this has happened to most of you.  You drive by a place, tell yourself that one day you’ll stop and visit, but you never do. Recently, I actually parked the car and walked into a charming and luxurious hotel that in my 30 years of living in Miami, I had never been to before.  The occasion was the Sixth Annual Florida International Wine Challenge which was a benefit for two cancer charities: Breast Cancer Foundation and the Melanie Finley Ovarian Cancer Foundation. The location: The Palms Hotel & Spa. 

Vida & Estilo present the newest addition to Miami Beach’s Espanola Way neighborhood.  Located in the heart of South Beach, this high-end pub boasts an extensive selection of beers and innovative Irish-inspired cocktails as well as dishes in a fun, casual-chic setting..

Drexel Irish Pub officially opened its doors on June 21, 2010 under the helm of Executive Chef Alex Martinez, whose passion for food is reflected through the extensive menu offerings.  The Pub offers Snacks and Starters, Fish and Chips, Salads and hearty “Sandwiches and yummy desserts.  There are of course, the tempting Entrees which include Guinness BBQ-Glazed Baby Back Ribs. 

Café Prima Pasta is celebrating their 17^th anniversary this year.  Although the economy has forced many restaurants everywhere to close their doors, this busy place has just completed a hefty remodeling job that includes plenty of expanded copper and mahogany, in the U-shaped bar, additional dining room seating, a private special events room and the addition of a new dessert and cappuccino bar.

We live in the Upper East Side (UES) of Miami.  It took our vicinity many years to convince restaurant owners and merchants to move in and cater to this part of town.  Previously, Biscayne Blvd. was notorious for drug dealings and prostitution, but fortunately much has changed in the last decade.  MIMO (Miami Modern) was established and successfully brought the community together under the umbrella of historic preservation and community pride.  Interesting people realized that the houses east and west of the Blvd. were architectural gems, affordable and close to everything.  Neighborhoods started collaborating with each other to make it a safe haven for homeowners living north of 36^th Street up to 79^th St.