Drink Deals, Pizza Joints, and Bottle Signings

Baire's Argentinian Grille, the popular South Beach restaurant which gave way to I Corsini this year, is coming back with a Lincoln Road location -- next door to the Colony Theater.

Also in South Beach, Maya Tapas & Grill has launched a Local Appreciation Program in which a Florida ID card will get you 10% off the check any time, and a waiving of corkage fees when you B.Y.O.B. Maya is likewise promoting $6.95 lunch specials.
 
The restaurant action in downtown Miami seems to revolve around pizza these days. Latest include Ecco Pizzateca & Lounge, now open at 168 SE First St.. Points of distinction are organic ingredients and full bar. And the La Loggia folks will soon be offering a little pie-in-the-sky with Tre Pizza on Flagler (across from Marshall's).

The Grill on the Alley is getting into the act with drink specials including a selection of beers for $3.50 each, wine by the glass for $2 below regular price, and Skyy Vodka martinis for $7 (like one made with Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Baileys, and freshly brewed espresso). An accompanying half-price bites menu offers $3.95 snacks such as popcorn shrimp or fried calamari, and $4.95 offerings like ahi tuna sashimi and steak tartare. Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Vintners Maynard James Keenan (Caduceus Cellars/Merkin Vineyards) and Eric Glomski (Page Springs Cellars), both of Arizona Stronghold VIneyard, will host a round of bottle signings in conjunction with Whole Foods Market. What is a bottle signing? Just what it sounds like. The signing will take place locally June 9th, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Whole Foods at 6701 Red Road in Coral Gables. Glomski and Keenan's quest to bring the wine industry to Arizona's Verde Valley is the subject matter behind "Blood Into Wine: The Arizona Stronghold," a documentary currently in production with a planned 2010 release date. If Glomski and Keenan should become big-shot movie stars -- or, you never know, even big-shot vintners -- your signed bottle might be worth something someday.