I Love Miami Spice returns, and so does returning to a gym routine!

August 1-September 30 starts the beginning of the Miami stay-cation tourist season. We take time off to spend our last summer days in our hometown..enjoying boat days, prepping for Back to School, beach days, etc. I love taking stay-cation days in Miami during the week to go around town and do things I don't always have a chance to do (eat lunch and dinner at some of the best restaurants in town). I can't say we go out to lunch and dinner ALL the time. I tend to make cameo's at some happy hours, then I go home and cook dinner, or order in. Throughout the remaining months of 105 degree weather, we like to venture out and sample some of Miami's best spots. Maybe it's the whole prix-fixe pricing that gets us on board, either way I am excited!!! (However, I am not excited that all this rich food sampling will lead me to longer sessions at the gym!!! The things we do for food....


"If you have been waiting for a special occasion to visit your favorite restaurant, now it’s the time to find something to celebrate. The popular Miami Spice restaurant event, which features discounts to top restaurants, returns this Aug. 1 and runs through Sept. 30 with 166 participating restaurants.

New to the program this year is a second pricing option, allowing more restaurants to participate.

During this event, restaurants will offer discounted, three-course, prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus featuring a choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. This year, Miami Spice will consist of two restaurant groups: Luxury Dining and Fine Dining.

Luxury dining restaurants will offer three course prix-fixe lunches at $23 per person, dinners at $39.

Fine dining restaurants will feature menus at $19 for lunch, $33 for dinner. All menu options exclude tax and gratuities.

For more information, visit www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com."

Fifty Shades of Dark Beer: Cervezas 7/30

Free Beer Tasting #3: Fifty Shades of Dark Beer

Hosted at Cervezas - South Miami

Monday July 30 - 6p-8p

While everyone is out reading “Fifty Shades of Grey” or blogging about who the perfect Mr. Grey would be, we are hard at work in our lab (kitchen) trying to figure out the perfect lineup for the next beer tasting. We figured we’d go dark. There is a special place in our hearts for dark beers – especially since they are so misunderstood. First off, all dark beers are not the same style. There are dozens of styles which produce dark beer. I’m not going to say fifty styles of dark beer – but many. Another misconception is that dark beers are bitter; about as bitter as an unmarried 40 year-old woman. But both these misconceptions are untrue. Dark beers can range from hoppy to smooth. And I do know of one over-40 woman who is quite happy. And dark beers get a bad rap for being extra strong. Yes, they can have high alcohol content like my friend Dave, but they do not necessarily go hand in hand. The truth is that dark beers and their flavors are about as varied as they can be. So come down to the next free beer tasting at Cervezas in South Miami to see which dark styles you like best.

 

Don’t miss Tasting #3: Fifty Shades of Dark where we’ll be giving away another pair of tickets to Grovetoberfest, more pint glasses and t-shirts. 

 

Monday July 30 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. First 20 peeps get free pint glass. Random peeps win free t-shirts. One random beer fan wins free tickets.

 

Check out details here.

Critical Mass: Friday 7/27

Friday, July 27th
6:30pm 

Government Center
150 NW First Street
Downtown Miami

We will be riding through East Little Havana, Miracle Mile, Coral Way, Little Havana, The Roads, Brickell, and Downtown The route is available here, total distance is 12 miles. It's strongly suggested that you print a copy of the map for yourself in case you are tardy or get lost. The ride stops/ends at The Filling Station, which offers specials on food & drinks for cyclists. It's conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Miami and just two blocks from Government Center.

Don't forget to bring bicycle lights. It's the law!


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Please read the tips & guidelines to help you understand what is expected of all participants on this community ride. Cyclists ride at their own risk and assume responsibility for their own safety! This is a very big group, look out for one another.

We will be leaving at 7:15pm sharp. If you arrive late you will be left behind, the ride starts & ends in Downtown Miami. Rain or shine!

RSVP on Facebook.



Cue Notes:



The Filling Station will have specials for cyclists including $3 PBRs and a $5 food menu (burgers, wings & veggie wraps), they also have indoor & outdoor seating plus an upstairs with televisions, foosball & air hockey. Bring a bicycle lock if you intend on going inside! See you there!



* Riders are advised to immediately clear the street and not obstruct traffic outside the establishment once we arrive, please move yourselves and bicycles to the surrounding sidewalks and/or parking lot across the street.

Happy 116th Birthday to Miami!

July Brickell Art Walk Preview and Miami Sweet 116 Birthday

Saturday, July 28, 2012, 4:00pm until 8:00pm

Brickell Art Walk (BAW)

701 Brickell Ave

Miami, Florida 33130

As a Preview to the Brickell Art Walk to be held on July 31st, 2012

www.brickellartwalk.com

We invite you to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of Brickell as we come together in celebration of Miami’s Sweet 116.

www.downtownmiami.com

Overall Schedule

4pm to 7pm

Enjoy Food Tastings, Brickell Art Walk, Celebrity DJs, Live Entertainment, Receptions

7pm to 8pm

Join Mayor Tomas P. Regalado for the Miami 116 Official Cake presentation by LA Sweets, Live Entertainment in Mary Brickell Village Courtyard

Artists on the Brickell Art Walk

Havi Schanz, Richard Kurtz, Antonio Fortuna, Robert Mcknight, Yosvany Tejeiro, Tom Weinkle, Eliane Harvey, Andy Risquez, Juan Erman Gonzalez

Midtown Miami Moonlit Movies: Wed 8pm

All You Can Drink Craft Beer Night! Sat 7/21

ALL-YOU-CAN-DRINK Craft Draft Beer night on Saturday, July 21st, 2012! For $20, come in and get a bracelet, which will allow you to drink as much draft beer as your liver can stand! Come and go as you please! All night long! If you need to go home and take a nap, we're open until 5am, so as long as you've still got your bracelet when you return, you can pick up drinking right where you left off! We'll be rotating kegs all night, so there's no need to drink the same beer twice!

The nice people in Parking lot F (Next to The DRB) will only be charging $5 if you mention that you are coming to The DRB Event.

**This is a DRB SPECIAL EVENT** 

***Not Valid With Other Promotions***

Free Days at Deering Estate

Enjoy complimentary admission to the Deering Estate at Cutler on the following Saturdays: 

JULY 21, AUGUST 18, & SEPTEMBER 15, 2012. 

Bring your family and friends and enjoy complimentary admission as well as hands on eco-art activities, science discovery programs, and historic house tours - all for free! 

We invite our guests to "P.L.A.Y." - Preservation, Learning, Adventure, Year-Round - and enjoy the many tours, educational programs, and special events that the Estate has to offer. 

The FEE-FREE P.L.A.Y. DAYS were created to honor the Deering Estate's partner organizations and the community: 

July 21 honoring Village of Palmetto Bay & its Residents.

All guests to the Estate are free.

August 18th honoring Teachers and Environmental Educators in Miami Dade County.

All guests to the Estate are free.

September 15th honoring Scouts.

All guests to the Estate are free.

Etsy in Miami

Anytime I need to get someone a gift, and I've actually remembered to get them a gift in advance (and not running around Miami 30 minutes before a party..) I love to turn to Etsy. I love unique, one of a kind, handmade gifts that really fit a person's personality, and I love supporting struggling artists (or stay at home moms who do crafts all day and I'm really jealous of their life). I'll stop ranting. I found some great local Miami artists on Etsy and wanted to share them with you!! If you're going to buy online, at least "buy local"!

Click on the images to see the art/vendor!

Tweet Up! Thursday 7/19 at Mercadito

Thursday, July 19 from 7pm-9pm

Miami New Times fans, followers, friends of followers - come out, drink and socialize at Mercadito Miami Midtown! Complimentary Margaritas and appetizers!

Take the Miami Trolley to Art Walk! Saturday 7/14

Starting Saturday 7/14, and hopefully every Second Saturday, the Miami Trolley will expand its service to Wynwood and Midtown for Second Saturday Art Walks!


For information on where the trolley goes, please check out our blog post on the Miami Trolley!


Happy trolleying and art walking!

DWNTWN Miami Concert Series: Grupo Treo 7/13

FREE Concert - First come first served
*Seating is limited*
July 13 
Door open @ 7pm
Show starts @ 8pm
Olympia Theater @ Gusman Center
174 E Flagler St, Miami FL

GRUPO TREO

With more than 6 million YouTube views, Grupo Treo, one of the most up & rising Latin bands from Venezuela, the hottest and most perfect fusion between Tropical, Urban and Pop.Grupo Treo has been leading the radio charts nationally and internationally with their smash hits "Pegate," and their latest release "Mi Amor" included in their newest album titled “PEGATE.”

Don’t miss GRUPO TREO and their hits “Mi Amor”, “Pegate”, “A llorar a otra parte”, and many more! As heard on the radio & in your Zumba classes!

Happy Birthday USA!!! Celebrate Miami Style!

If only work gave us Thursday and Friday as part of celebrating America's birthday this year!!!

Since July 4th falls on Hump Day this year, I'm sure we will all try our best to have a fun-filled relaxing day with the family, and not too many beers!!! 

Below are some ideas on where to spend the 4th of July holiday!

Happy Birthday USA, we are all grateful to be 

FREE, INDEPENDENT, and AMERICAN!!! (and for the day off!)

Bayfront Park
Miami throws America's Birthday Bash every year starting at 3 p.m. with fun for the kids, music, food and beverage. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. 

301 North Biscayne Boulevard Miami; 305-358-7550.

Miami Beach 
Miami Beach celebrates Independence Day with Fire on the Fourth which includes live performances from Fred Thomas, South Florida Symphony Orchestra Quartet and DJ Maximus3000 and a great view of the fireworks display which starts at 9 p.m. 
Noon-10 p.m. 8 Street & Ocean Drive Beach, Miami Beach. 

Coral Gables
Fireworks will return to the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables thanks to an infusion of cash from a multitude of sponsors. This year’s event starts at 5 p.m. and also includes a concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band at 7 p.m., along with concessions and patriotic mascots. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Coral Gables fireworks, 5 to 9 p.m. Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave.;  Free

Coconut Grove
Enjoy live music, food, kidz zone and fireworks at Peacock Park. 
4-9 p.m.,  2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; 305-444-7270. 

Homestead
Miami Speedway hosts an Independence Day festival and fireworks show with entertainment, food and music with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. 
5-10 p.m. at One Speedway Blvd., Homestead; 305-224-4570

Key Biscayne 
Key Biscayne's Fourth of July includes a traditional parade, music and fireworks. The parade runs along Crandon Boulevard starting at 11am fireworks shoot off at sunset.

Palmetto Bay
There will be waterfront fireworks at 9 p.m. at Black Point Park & Marina, 24775 SW 87th Ave. For more information visit www.palmettobay-fl.gov.

South Miami
There will be live bands, face painting, food and beverages and a fireworks display. 
5-10 p.m. at Palmer Park, 6120 SW 67th Ave. For more information call 305-663-6338 or email info@southmiamifl.gov. 

North Miami
There will be a fireworks display following live music and children’s entertainment starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, 300 NE 151st St. For more information visit www.northmiamifl.gov.

Aventura 
At 9 p.m. Wednesday there will be a fireworks display visible from any point of Country Club Drive. For more information call 305-466-8930 or visit www.cityofaventura.com.

North Bay Village
There will be entertainment from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dr. Paul Vogel Community Park, 7920 West Drive. For more information visit www.nbvillage.com.

Hialeah
From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be children’s activities and live entertainment. At 9 p.m. there will be fireworks and a laser display at Milander Park, 4700 Palm Ave.

Miami Springs
There will be an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration starting at 10 a.m. until the fireworks display. At noon there will be a parade starting at the Community Center. Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. there will be food, entertainment, water slides and beverages at the Country Club, 650 Curtiss Parkway.

The Village at Gulfstream Park 
Enjoy activities for the entire family, including a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts and live music. Later, grab a spot anywhere in the scenic Village of shops and restaurants to catch an elaborate firework display by The City of Hallandale Beach.  4 p.m. The Village at Gulfstream Park, 501 S. Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach

DROP ANCHOR

The good people at Florida by Water have a few suggestions for boaters who want to watch the fireworks on deck. Navigate your vessel to Fourth of July fun from the Keys north to West Palm Beach.

Marathon
The action takes place around Sombrero Beach at MM50 oceanside and starts off at 10:30 p.m. with a parade, then a day filled with food, family fun and entertainment. More info at 305-743-5417.

Miami (Bayfront Park)
Around 200 spectator boats gather to watch the action from the waters of Biscayne Bay by Bayfront Park. 
 
Miami (Bal Harbour)
Village of Bal Harbour is a great spot to watch fireworks, which are launched from the south jetty of Bakers Haulover Inlet. For more information at 305-535-8724.

Fort Lauderdale
See the display in Fort Lauderdale Beach, which launches its show by A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.
 
Hollywood
The City of Hollywood 4th of July Celebration Fireworks is launched offshore of Hollywood Beach.

Pompano Beach
The City will be doing a firework show off the pier beginning at 9 p.m. The fun starts early with family fun activities.

West Palm Beach
The waterfront in West Palm Beach hosts a day of festivities leading up to the 9 p.m. fireworks display. Info at wpb.org/4th or call 561-822-2222.

CELEBRATE IN COMFORT
If you don't want to fight for a plot of land to throw down your picnic blanket or a space to anchor your boat, head to these events at local venues that all have a great view of the action.

Bianca at Delano
Enjoy an all-American Backyard barbecue at Bianca at the tony Delano hotel. Gobble ribs, seafood, White Truffle ice cream and other treats while the kids enjoy activities and the Joshua Stedman band performs. $75 per person. 
4-10 p.m. 1685 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; www.delano-hotel.com

Rusty Pelican
One of the most enviable views of Biscayne Bay, this will be a great perch to check out the fireworks as you get a mouthful of American favorites at their all-you-can-eat Barbecue Buffet.  Priced at $65 per adult, $25 per child (12 years and under), 
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. and dinner from 5 –11 p.m. 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne; 305-361-3818.  

Juvia
Lincoln Road hotspot Juvia is offering two seatings on the Fourth of July. Get there at or before 7:30 p.m. and you can enjoy their menu which features an array of crudo, delectable entrees and craft cocktails along with a nice view of Miami Beach's fireworks display. Or reserve for 10 p.m. for post-fireworks dining. 
1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305-763-8272.

The Mondrian
Hang out by Mondrian’s picturesque pool while enjoying barbecue snacks and festive drinks. Asia de Cuba offers a special, Independence Day menu of American favorites with a Latin twist.Open to the public, $50 minimum food and beverage consumption per person. 
Starting noon at Mondrian South Beach, 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 305-514-1500.

Shore Club 
Get suited up for the One Natin Pool Party at the Shore Club complete with a selection of barbecue items, frozen drinks  and beer along with beats by DJ Triarchy  and RS^2. Open to the public, $20 cover charge.
Noon at Shore Club, 1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-695-3226‎

Spaaaalicious! Miami Spa Month starts today!

Miami Spa Month starts today, July 1st and runs to August 31st.

Take advantage of these fabulous spas offering amazing specials for $99! 

http://www.miamispamonth.com/participants.htm

So many personal favorites, and so many places we want to try!! Ahhhh!!! We wish every day could be spa day!! 

Happy SPAHHHHing!

South Beach/Miami Beach

• agua at Delano • agua at Mondrian South Beach • Bliss South Beach, W South Beach • Canyon Ranch Wellness Spa, Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa Miami Beach • Elemis Spa at Loews Miami Beach Hotel • ELLE Spa, Eden Roc A Renaissance Beach Resort • Lapis, the Spa at Fontainebleau  • The Ritz-Carlton Spa, South Beach • TheSpaAtDavidBartonGym, The Perry • The Spa at Equinox  • The Spa at The Setai  • Spa at Shore Club • Spa V, Thompson Hotels Victor Hotel • The Standard Spa, Miami Beach • Wellness Garden & Spa, The Besty South Beach

Mainland—North  (Aventura, Design District, Doral, Miami Lakes)

• Emena Spa  • The Spa at Doral, Doral Golf Resort & Spa• Spa at Shula's, Shula's Hotel & Golf Club • The Spa at Equinox • The Spa at Turnberry, Turnberry Isle Miami

Mainland—South  (Brickell/Downtown, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Key Biscayne)

• Biltmore Spa, Biltmore Hotel • The Boutique Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami • Elemis Spa at the Village of Merrick Park • Exhale Mind Body Spa, EPIC Hotel • Jurlique Spa at the Mayfair Hotel • Rik Rak Salon and Spa, JW Marriott Marquis • mySpa Miami, InterContinental Miami • The Ritz-Carlton Spa Key Biscayne, Miami • The Spa at Conrad Miami • Spa at Casa Moderna Miami • The Spa at Equinox  • Spa at Grove Isle, Grove Isle Hotel & Spa  • The Spa at JW Marriott Hotel Miami  • Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami • The Spa at Viceroy Miami

Northern Beaches  (Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach)

• Acqualina Spa by ESPA, Acqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach • Aquanox Spa, Trump International Beach Resort Miami • The Spa at One Bal Harbour

Bye Bye Zeke's, Hello Rio Station

South Florida Beer Blog shares info on the closing of Zeke's...
http://www.southfloridabeerblog.com/2012/06/rio-station-to-replace-zekes-roadhouse.html

Rio Station To Replace Zeke's Roadhouse

As I'm sure most of you heard Zeke's Roadhouse has closed its doors.  When I first heard the news I was heartbroken.  Where was I going to go and sit on Lincoln Rd and watch the parade of people while having a good inexpensive beer?  Luckily today my worries were lifted when I met with the new owner of the space where Zeke's once occupied.  Rio Station is the new kid on the block and will be doing some things the same and some different.  First $4 beers will be staying.  The beer selection will still have a good choice of craft beers with the amount pulled back slightly.  The new thing is that you will now be able to get food while you drink.  They will have wraps and salads along with smoothies.  They will also be open every day of the week.  And speaking of opening, Rio Station will be open for business starting July 2nd.  I don't think Zeke's Roadhouse will ever be replaced but there is still a good option for good cheap beer on Lincoln Rd.