Happy 2015. If you're reading this, you've survived another year and another New Year's Eve.
This is usually the time to make resolutions. The most popular are to eat better, drink less alcohol and more water, and exercise.
On the other hand, there's a case for leaving your life the way it is -- joyfully indulgent.
Whether you plan to make 2015 all about being healthier or sticking with your hedonistic side, we've got you covered.
The weekend starts now!
Keep Your Resolutions
If your resolution is to eat better and drink less alcohol and more fresh juices, here are three ideas for beginning the year on a healthful note:
221 Cafe
If you pledged to eat healthier, consider starting with an organic, farm-to-table breakfast or lunch at 221 Cafe. This downtown bistro is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features healthful, organic food such as a classic organic grass-fed beef burger topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and American cheese and served on a brioche bun ($14), or a filling salad made with mixed greens, pear, almond, and goat cheese and tossed in a honey vinaigrette ($13). It's a good, healthful way to start your weekend. 221 Cafe, 221 NW First Ave., Miami; 786-536-2268.
Knaus Berry Farm
Did you spend too many hours last month at bars, restaurants, and malls? You need some fresh air and a day at the farm. Pack the family into the car and drive to Knaus Berry Farm for a day of strawberry picking. While you're there, pick up some fresh, local produce like squash, kale, and tomatoes. Oh, and go ahead and sneak a cinnamon roll (85 cents) or a dozen ($8.65). Because they're baked fresh daily, we'll even put these in the "healthful" column. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday.
JugoFresh
It happens. You partied a little too hearty and now you need some detox. JugoFresh has just what you need to clear your body, allowing you to start 2015 with a clean slate. The one-day cleanse consists of six juices and costs $63. Pretty cheap compared to your bar tab New Year's Eve.
Screw the Resolution
We know what you're thinking: Resolutions are for suckers. You make them every year only to disappoint yourself the first time you reach for a doughnut or a glass of Cabernet. We hear ya. This year, just say screw it and indulge your inner diva. Here are a few good places to start.
Tongue & Cheek BrunchFriday, Saturday, and Sunday
At the beginning of the year, you don't need judgement. You need pancakes for three days in a row. Jamie DeRosa's Tongue & Cheek is hosting brunch this week starting today, bitches. (Actually, he hosted brunch yesterday too.) Get a few like-minded peeps together and chow down on lobster Benedict, shrimp 'n' grits, and lemon ricotta pancakes. And splurge for the bottomless bloody marys, mimosas, and bellinis ($25 per person). Sometimes you just gotta go big or go home.
Freddo's Ice Cream Panini
Since you were planning to go to Macy's to return that sweater Aunt Helen gave you (the fuzzy pink one with the rhinestone bunnies) anyway, you might as well stop at Freddo and try one of those helado paninis you've heard about. The Argentine export sandwiches helado between two halves of a Hawaiian roll and then adds peanut butter, raspberry preserves, and Cocoa Krispies for crunch. The result is a warm, soft, indulgent ice-cream sandwich that's worth the calories. And because the helado is made from fresh, hormone-free milk, pure cane sugar, fruits, and other natural and raw ingredients, and is free of artificial flavorings, coloring, preservatives, and added vegetable fats, it's almost like you're eating healthy!
Cocktails at Wunderbar
If your idea of cutting back on alcohol consumption is skipping that third cocktail, kudos (as long as you call a cab, that is). Try Wunderbar, the cocktail lounge at the intimate Circa 39 Hotel in Miami Beach, where bartender extraordinaire Cricket Nelson holds court. Enjoy a cold beer or one of Nelson's hand-crafted cocktails, with an emphasis on tropical, rum-forward libations. Wunderbar is open daily from 4 to 11 p.m.
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