Miami's Best Eats and Drinks This Weekend: Memorial Day Edition

Happy Memorial Day. This national holiday is the unofficial start of the summer season, with people flocking to the beach and their backyard grills for a long weekend of fun in the sun. While you're partying down, however, take a moment to remember the real reason for the holiday — to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Your Memorial Day weekend starts now!

Memorial Day Parties Galore
Of course, the place to be this Memorial Day is South Beach, where thousands of visitors gather to worship the sun, drink, and party (what we call Tuesday). New Times compiled a list of the ten best Memorial Day parties here. 
Baby Flamingo and Lunch at Jungle Island
If you're searching for a dose of cuteness this Memorial Day weekend, come visit the new baby flamingo just hatched at Jungle Island. Baby flamingo and his mom are hanging out together at Flamingo Lake.  You can easily spot this new member of the flock because he (or she) isn't pink — flamingos get their vibrant color from the foods they eat and baby's colorful plumage won't emerge for a while. Baby flamingo also doesn't have a name — and needs one. The park is asking for help. Just go to the Jungle Island Facebook page and leave a name suggestion. The winner will be announced on Memorial Day and will receive free park admission. Speaking of free, Jungle Island is free this weekend for kids, veterans, military, police, and fire personnel. Once at the park, enjoy lunch at the lakeside cafe — which gives you perfect flamingo viewing opportunities with your meal! For more information, visit jungleisland.com.
Schnebly Redland's Winery's Big Rod Ball Networking Toga Party
When was the last time you went to a toga party? You know — where you dress in a sheet and party like a it's 1999 — BC!  Tonight, May 27 Schnebly Redland's Winery is hosting the Big Rod Ball — a charity toga party to benefit local non-profit organizations. Hang with friends, network, and drink fresh, local beer while wearing a toga!  In fact, togas are required for admittance. You have no excuses if you forget because there will be sheet rentals to fashion your own toga on site. The bacchanal starts at 4 p.m. For more information, contact Dorothy J. Harden, Esq. at (877) 216-9906 ext. 710 or email [email protected]. 
Brunch all Weekend at Izzy's Fish & Oyster
A three-day weekend calls for three days of brunches. Izzy's serves brunch on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from noon to 3 p.m., featuring favorites like a fried oyster po' boy ($12/$24); a fried chicken sandwich ($15); New England clam chowder ($11), Painted Hills Farms burger ($16), and a lobster roll ($16/$28). Come back after the beach for happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pie It Forward at Spris
Callng all foodies, bloggers, and Instagrammers. Spris is inviting you to take your talents and "pie it forward" by taking photos of your favorite Spris pie and sharing it on social media. Then, choose your favorite charity (must be a registered 501c3) and share that photo or video with everyone you know. If your followers come in using a special referral code, they get a free dessert and your charity gets points. The charity with the highest points will be announced after June 30 and will receive a special donation. You must register by today, May 25, by emailing [email protected]. 
Miami is an Island at The Anderson
The Anderson Bar hosts a Sunday of day drinking and music on May 29. From 2 p.m. to sunset, enjoy the Anderson's outdoor island vibes while you chill to DJ's Erick Parades, Marcello Bentine, Mr. Brown, and Kumi. There's also a mini market from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.