At some point this week, you realized that Friday would come a little sooner than usual because most had Monday off.
However, it's still rough trying to fit five days worth of work into four. Like fitting a square into a circle -- not gonna happen until you've got some magic beans or something.
In a few hours, though, the only thing you'll have to worry about is what your plans are for the weekend. Maybe you're planning on hitting up the beach, maybe you're redecorating your kitchen and need to visit the joint between heaven and hell (otherwise known as IKEA), or, maybe, you plan on hanging out with your friends and seeing where Miami takes you.
Whatever the case may be, we've got some pretty great suggestions for you, including a delicious Florida vs. Miami tailgate option and an independence party.
What do you get when two rivaling chefs enter the battle ring at one of the most anticipated football games of the year? Technically speaking, you win -- no matter who you're rooting for. Chefs Ralph Pagano from Alba's Seaside Italian and Jamie DeRosa from Tongue & Cheek are co-hosting a snackdown in the Blue Lot VIP area at Sun Life Stadium. Think chicken and waffles and beef cheek burgers with beer and Gatorade. Pagano, on the other hand, will be offering Italian-style pulled pork with fresh cole slaw on potato buns with garlic aioli. And Heineken shandys to wash it all down. Gravity Brewlab will also be serving up a special game day malt liquor beer. The best part about it is that it's of no extra cost to you.
Cocktail Hunt at RA
A fully upgraded cocktail menu is always something we take seriously. RA Sushi is offering $6 Moshi Mojitos through the end of September, but aside from that, they've rolled out a bucket load of new drinks. Choose from the Blushing Geisha (Skyy Raspberry vodka, Chambord, cold lemonade, fresh lemon sour and a splash of soda), Dragon Bite (Bacardi Dragonberry, strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice, Japanese yuzu and a splash of soda) and Emperor's Margarita (Patrón Silver, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, Japanese yuzu and agave nectar) all with premium spirits and fresh fruit juice mixers. Top-shelf drinks for less than $10. Find that on South Beach and get back to us. Don't be shy to try the updated wine list or craft beer menu (perfect for college football Sundays!).
Housemade Sodas for All
Lester's Miami recently revamped their menu and cocktails. About a month ago we were invited to try out the new offerings which included housemade sodas. Rest assured that once you go Lester's sodas, you'll never touch a can of that other stuff again. Trust. The sodas are prepared using syrups made in-house from fresh spices and citruses. Currently, there are three soda flavors available, including orange, root beer and Chinese 5-spice. The orange soda has fresh orange peels and hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The root beer recipe includes all of the original spices used to make root beer pre-Prohibition -- star anise, cloves, cinnamon, all spice, and mint. Then there's the Chinese 5-spice which will either be a heck-yes or a heck-no... it's tough to find a middle ground on it. Think fennel, cinnamon, cardamom, black peppercorn and cloves. In soda! Each one is 3 bucks.
Brazilian Independence Celebration
Brazil gained its independence from Portugal almost 200 years ago. And while Portugal may be a great country and all, we can't help but side with our fellow Brasileiros. How else would we have Carnaval? How else would we be uber stoked to be planning a trip to the 2016 Olympics just because it's in Rio? Portugal, we love you, bro. But this day is for Brazil. Brazilian Independence Day will be celebrated at at the Four Ambassadors restaurant Brasileiro. Expect food, samba dancers, capoeira, a DJ, and plenty of steak to get you through the night. If there was ever an independence party you should attend, it's the Brazilian's -- because ain't no one party like a Brasileiro.
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