The margarita is a conundrum, indeed. On the one hand, the Mexican cocktail, is a lesson in simplicity. On the other, it’s the one drink that’s most likely to go wrong when you order it. Consider this little conversation we recently had at a very nice restaurant: Bartender: What would…
For broke foodies across the 305, the year’s best season is almost upon us: all hail Miami Spice! Starting August 1, our favorite annual event kicks off at hotspots across the city, which means we get our gourmet eats on sale. (Miami New Times, by the way, is sponsoring the…
There’s a new big, bad lounge popping-up with the addition of Mister Wolfe to the South Beach scene. The lounge, housed in the former Bond Street space at the Townhouse Hotel, fuses bar, lounge, and small plates restaurant together in a sleek, sexy environment filled with multiple spaces to cuddle…
When you name your rum after one of the most iconic authors in the world, you’d better be prepared to live up to that name. Papa’s Pilar, the first spirit licensed by the Hemingway family and named after Ernest Hemingway’s boat, Pilar, is going all out with the concept of…
Fourth of July is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time to commemorate our nation’s independence with a cold one. But if you’re more into top-shelf spirits than Bud Light, this occasion calls for fewer coozies — more cocktails. Check out these patriotic drink options from some of…
It’s Friday and I’ve had a long, slightly lousy week. I’m sure a lot of you have, too. Basically, I’m just sitting here waiting for 5 p.m. to roll around so I can get a beer. Wood Tavern is a good choice to get my evening drink on. It’s inexpensive,…
Remember when Critical Mass started and took the Magic City by storm? Now it’s a citywide event where more than 1,000 people, sometimes including Gabrielle Union and D. Wade, ride 14 miles collectively to a finish line with Miami’s own first ice cream bicycle. What you didn’t know is that…
Sure, The Kentucky Derby was a month ago. But summer is the perfect time to enjoy a mint julep. In fact, when you consider the julep is basically a bourbon and mint slushy, you’ll wonder why you never thought of this classic Southern libation as the perfect drink for a…
Florida’s governor signed a bill earlier this month allowing the state’s craft distilleries to sell directly to the public. Among them is Destilería Canéca, or Miami Club Rum, Miami’s only commercial distillery. Prior to the passage of House Bill 347, alcohol manufacturers were (and still pretty much are) strictly forbidden…
Ever heard of a progressive happy hour? It is the thing these days, and we recently tried the new menu at the Mondrian South Beach’s Sunset Lounge. The concept is simple. From 5 to 9 p.m., prices mirror the clock. It’s 5:15? Enjoy a Sunset Passion cocktail for $5. Still…
Fans of Wood Tavern’s casual Wynwood vibe will have much to celebrate come fall. Wood’s owner, Cesar Morales, is partnering with Maximiliano and Cristian Alvarez of Fiorito to open a cocktail lounge. It will be located upstairs from a pizzeria that Morales recently announced in the two-story space behind Wood…
The 90-plus-degree temps and 100 percent humidity this weekend are evidence that summer is in full swing. Which means beach days, picnics, and poolside parties. But how are Miamians to get their drink on while maintaining a stellar beach bod? Simple. Opt for some of these delicious low-cal drink choices…
It’s officially summer and our palates turn toward light, fruity libations made with fresh ingredients and clear spirits. Here in Miami, we tend toward vodkas, white rums, even cachaca and sometimes forget one of the most aromatic and versatile spirits in the world. Gin. Robert Ferrara, who was recently named…
Summer in Miami is an exercise in sweat. Unlike most other cities, our liquid-laden air and tropical rays mean overheating is to be expected. So how the hell are you supposed to keep cool when even the ocean is 85 degrees? Drinking, of course. And there’s nothing better to cool…
The bar at Lokal was three deep at 8 p.m. yesterday. Filled with people wearing beer branded T-shirts, the little Coconut Grove restaurant that specializes in grass-fed beef burgers and craft brews was hosting Miami’s first tap takeover by Funky Buddha Brewery. The Oakland Park brewery presented seven brews last…
If you’ve been to a beer festival lately, you’ve probably already tasted MIA Brewing Company’s honey wheat beer or IPA under the brand Most Wanted. The brewery, which recently changed its name to MIA Brewing Company, is hoping all that good word of mouth and multiple tastings will get paid…
Yes, we know. You’ve been meaning to check out Funky Buddha Brewery ever since it opened in Oakland Park less than a month ago. But, ya know, things come up. And it’s so far away — even farther than Hallandale Beach! But how about if the brewery comes to you?…
The craft beer industry starts with the act of brewing your own, at least in part, and like many homebrewers, the guys of 4th Age Brewing are taking their skills to the next level by launching a company. Chris Campos and Danny Morales are the brewmasters behind the fellowship of…
Around the same time Mason jars became hip, home cooking became a competitive sport. Foodists no longer impress friends with homespun gifts: sourdough bread, strawberry jam, pies filled with Granny Smith apples, rainbows, and tears. Now, cooks must master duck prosciutto, pickled ramps, and ricotta. But Jeff Michaud, the James…
The Magic City might be getting some high-profile attention from the largest craft brewery in the United States, the Boston Beer Company, brewer of Sam Adams beer. Is it true? If so, then this would be a huge boost to the craft beer scene in Miami, which is already on…
Dads are often the unsung heroes of the world, doling our cash, car keys, and wisdom — only to take the backseat when it comes to praise and affection. This Sunday, we suggest taking your dad aside after the family brunch and whisking him off for a little one-on-one time…
Tonight’s installment of Fontainebleau’s Cellar 1954 Series features one of the oldest family-run wineries in Napa, Chappelet Vineyards. Iwner Cyril Chappellet will be on hand to discuss his family vineyard while explaining the intricacies of each wine as they are paired with a special menu from Gotham Steak’s chef de…
