Miami's Best Eats and Drinks This Weekend: Beer Birthday, Chili Cookoff, and Brunch

We've made it to another Friday. Miami and Miami Beach are gearing up for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, so this is a good weekend to chill out with a beer or some brunch. 

Weekend events include live music at a brewery, a chili cook-off, a gorgeous new place to brunch, and M.I.A.'s birthday!  

Weekend starts now!
Sola Sessions at Concrete Beach Brewery
Tonight, February 19, enjoy live music at Concrete Beach Brewery's Sola Sessions. From 8 to 10 p.m., a local musical act (TBA) will entertain while you and your friends enjoy a few pints. The event is free.
Mina's Brunch on the Patio 
What's not to love about a nice alfresco brunch? Mina's Mediterraneo, on the Upper Eastside, recently opened a lush patio, complete with a bar, twinkle lights, and greenery. Best of all is the South Beach vibe without having to schlep to South Beach Sunday afternoon with your Saturday-night hangover (caused by a night on South Beach). The terrace is open for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (though the restaurant offers brunch Saturdays as well). Try the Moroccan pizza with merguez lamb sausage, red peppers, harissa, tomato, grilled onion, mint, and fontina ($16). The patio is also open in the evenings (when you can enjoy the twinkle lights).
M.I.A. Turns 1
M.I.A. Brewing Company celebrates the first anniversary of its taproom with a blowout celebration. This Saturday, February 20, from 2 to 10 p.m., the festivities will include live music, food, and lots of beer. The party is free to attend, and beer tickets will be sold for $5 and 6. More than 60 beers will be offered from breweries such as J. Wakefield Brewing Company, Biscayne Bay Brewing Company, Wynwood Brewing, Funky Buddha Brewery, Civil Society Brewing, and Barrel of Monks Brewing. If you're hungry, stop by one of the several food trucks onsite. 

Coral Gables Chili Cookoff
The Rotary Club of Coral Gables will host a chili cook-off this Sunday, February 21 from 2 to 7 p.m. Head to Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park and feast on different styles of chili and beer. Live music by the Stiltsville and Funk Pedal round off the afternoon. Admission is free; just pay as you go. The event is a way for the Rotary Club to thank the people of Coral Gables, and it's also an opportunity to raise funds for the organization's charitable foundation, which go right back into the community.