#SobeSavvy Recaps @SOBESEAFOODFEST #CHEFSHOWDOWN @ THE SEAFOOD & SNEAKERS BALL!

October 26, 2014SobeSavvy 1 Comment

The 2nd Annual Hess Select South Beach Seafood Festival brought forth Miami culinary flair and swanky fashion at new event before Festival Day.

While the main Saturday Festival was the talk of the town, the Chef Showdown at the Seafood & Sneakers Ball offered the most exclusive ticket in town for sea-foodies on Friday, October 24, 2014. This event served as the sizzling appetizer before the main event and featured Miami’s finest culinary master chefs showcasing amazing seafood dishes along with some fun and fashion as a complete “Made in Miami” experience!

Miami is all about style and the Seafood & Sneakers Ball, sponsored by Range Rover and Bacardi, showed how Miamians do things just a little bit differently. Taking place at 9th & Ocean Drive in the GOYA Culinary Pavilion at the event site, the Chef Showdown @ the Seafood & Sneakers Ball featured Miami’s finest, participating in cook-offs on the 305-KITCHEN.com demo stages throughout the venue, hosted by none other than Celebrity Chef and current owner of Naked Taco, Ralph Pagano. Attendees participated in the public vote as guests visited the Chef’s restaurant tasting stations around the event space, sampled their signature dishes showcased on the demo stages, and voted on who is the best in each showdown category. The “Cutting Board” experts also lended their expertise to assist in choosing the final winners at the end of the evening. Participating restaurants for the Chef Showdown included: Lure Fish bar, Siena Tavern, Red the Steakhouse, Florida Cookery, Oceanaire, Dolce Italian, City Hall, Café Avanti, CIBO, De Rodriguez, Naked Taco, Park Central, and Poseidon. All sustainable seafood for the event was provided by hosting sponsor, Whole Foods. To see the full list of winners, see Instagram.com/p/ukhve7enbl or https://Twitter.com/SobeSeafoodFest/status/525886440568524800

The Seafood & Sneakers Ball focused on highlighting our seafood masters in South Florida, the event also featured a major fashion element with a “Made In Miami Fashion Show” taking place during the Sneakers Ball. Hosted by fashion blogger Kelly Saks, the fashion show showed the latest styles by some of Miami’s best local designers to include: The Edition Boutique, Pretty Beachy Swimwear, accessories by TAudry Jewelry, and The Fashion Poet. Lyfe Brand Apparel, known for their creation of the popular “Heatles” shirts during the Miami Heat’s quest for their NBA Championships were also be present. All guests were encouraged to be part of this amazing fashion spectacle by wearing their most stylish, outrageous, swankiest sneakers.

SobeSavvy.com joined in and captured the fun for the “gala” evening of the weekend that helped kickoff the fundraising for Hess Select South Beach Seafood Festival’s beneficiary, Community Initiatives Foundation and their new EAT SMART Campaign. Find out more at http://www.cifoundation.org. Miami Cigar Company provided complimentary cigars and a silent auction was also part of the evening , hosted by Marty Wallach/Whip Fundraising . More at http://www.WhipFundraising.com

For more information about the festival please visit: http://www.sobeseafoodfest.com. Follow Facebook: Hess Select South Beach Seafood Festival | Instagram: @SobeSeafoodFest | Twitter: @SobeSeafoodFest use HASHTAG: #SobeSeafood

Here is my photo recap of Friday night’s Sobe Seafood Fest Event, “Chef Showdown at the Seafood & Sneakers Ball ” ! *Additional Photo Credit: Barry Heigh , Rebecca Darling

#SobeSavvy in #Bimini #Bahamas ! My #BiminiBliss #Daycation #Travel Recap ~ @RWBimini @abcrentalsbimini @PortEverglades Inaugural #Cruise

October 19, 2014SobeSavvy 1 Comment

On Thursday, October 14, 2014, my family and I took one of the inaugural cruises on the Bimini Superfast Ship from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. http://rwbimini.com/bimini-superfast

They only had service from Miami prior to adding a Port Everglades cruise on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We parked the car at the garage adjacent to terminal 21 where it was docked. Check in was efficient and fast. Ship was new, clean and modern. Left on time at 9am. After breakfast and enjoying some dance music entertainment on the upper deck, we arrived at Bimini after a 2.5 hour voyage. We caught the beach club tram. Passengers have the option of staying at the beach or casino all day, but we opted to see the island instead. Since golf carts are the preferred mode of island transportation here, we planned to take one inorder to explore. There are various companies/operators that had carts lined up at the beach club. Most of these carts looked alike.. except one. It was a Rolls Royce golf cart. Imagine that. A Rolls ! It was owned by a company named ABC Cart Rentals. http://instagram.com/abcrentalsbimini or https://www.facebook.com/abcrentals.bimini. This rental was in great condition and fun to drive. After a quick tutorial on the cart, we were off to see Bimini.

We were hungry and a friend of mine in Miami advised me that her aunt owned the famous Edith’s Pizza. Off we went up Kings Highway. Edith’s Pizza is not made like the average pizza. She uses Bimini Bread as the dough. We had her famous Lobster Pizza. It was out of this world good. Set on the water, my daughter went conch shell hunting while we waited for our order. Of course we had a Kalik Beer to accompany it. Perfect lunch. Afterwards we took the Rolls Royce into Alice Town. We checked out Radio Beach and wandered around the shops in the area. We headed back to the Resorts World Resort for some fun in the pool. It was too windy for the ocean but we enjoyed a snow cone at the beach bar. Afterwards, It was time to turn over our keys to the Rolls and head back to the ship.

All in all, a wonderful day trip to the Bahamas. Bimini is a slice of paradise . Make sure you get yourself a piece.

#SobeSavvy Presents #thePowerofHappyHour! Vol 7 @socialclubatsurf @KimptoninFl #southbeach #miami #happyhour

October 19, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Social Club–A social club may refer to a group of people or the place where they meet, generally formed around a common interest, occupation or activity (e.g. hunting, fishing, science, politics, or charity work)

The above definition defines The Surfcomber Hotel’s happy hour held at their restaurant, aptly named The Social Club. The unifying common interest is a great happy hour with good food, Old fashioned quality cocktails and great service.

The level of cuisine and mixology here is in a league of it’s own. Thanks to head bartender Chad Phillips, drinks are made the way they were meant to be. Too often here in Miami do drinks come with glow sticks or an umbrella. Neither is anywhere to be found at The Social Club. The signature happy hour drink is the Pisco Punch. It is a handcrafted special that is featured during their “punch the clock” special. Between 4pm to 7pm the punch costs between $4 -$7 depending on the hour it is ordered. It was delish. The happy hour also offers various small bites to order. The Crab & Sweet Corn Fritters were good. Since I am from Maryland it is rare to find a crab recipe in Miami that is authentic. I met their new executive chef Blair Wilson. He hails from Alexandria, Va which is chesapeake bay country, so it makes sense. The Social Club happy hour also has $7 classic cocktails and $5 microbrews and $5 house wine. Once again head bartender Chad Phillips’ deft touch makes each drink perfect every time. I ventured off their happy hour choices and tried a Manhattan In The Fall cocktail. It’s made with a bit of maple syrup as one example. Just that touch of sweetness brought the bourbon to life in a way I have never experienced before. My hubby tried The Will You Daiquiri Me. It was incredible.

The Social Club is also participating in the October ” Drink Pink” campaign. When you order one of the rose colored cocktails during this month they will donate $1 of the price to the fight against breast cancer with the American Cancer Society

We were ready to try some of Chef Wilson’s dishes off of the main menu. The gator bites melted in my mouth. Blair said it took him a while to find the right alligator meat supplier to attain this quality. His perserverance paid off. Next up were the St Louis Ribs. Meat fell off the bone. Epic success. The Pork Belly with mango chutney was excellent. Succulent tasty chunks of pork with very well done yucca. The roasted Chicken was superb. Chicken done well is actually a rare thing indeed. People are used to chicken being mediocre. This is not the case. We ended this wonderful food ride with the Ricotta Doughnuts. They were sinfully good. Next time you want a good happy hour or even a great dinner. Head over to The Social Club Restaurant and Bar. You can thank me right now.

Rise and #Yoga ! @ExhaleSpa #SouthBeach #Miami @Loews_Hotels ~ Recap by #SobeSavvy

October 18, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

I am usually awakened by my three yr old daughter, or South Beachers coming in from a night out but on Wednesday October 15, I took the opportunity to greet the rising sun by experiencing Exhale Spa’s athletic and mindful yoga class. Exhale is the leading lifestyle brand in spa and wellness and known for their custom-created classes geared towards reviving and restoring the mind and body. That was exactly what I needed!

Exhale South Beach is located at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Fl 33139. I selected their Sunrise Exhale Vinyasa Yoga class, which was held on the outdoor terrace of the St. Moritz Building. It was the perfect location to let the restoration of the ocean and its breeze carry me thru the practice.

Led by Amy Steiner, this class wakes up your body and mind with a fluid yoga practice and breath-based meditation, setting the tone for a great day ahead. Per the website, www.exhalespa.com ,

This class offers a flowing practice appealing to students who have yoga experience and are comfortable with yoga postures and sun salutations. Exhale Vinyasa Flow integrates breath and movement, inner and outer alignment, and strength and flexibility. Class is accompanied by music for a rejuvenating and balancing effect.

The class was intimate and allowed for the instructor to provide any necessary corrections that were needed. No matter your faith or fitness, yoga is for everybody! I felt very comfortable in the environment and knew I was in good guided hands. Anyone taking a class has the opportunity to use the amenities at Exhale, but alas I had to return to my 3yr old and start our day. But at least I was going into my day with a different perspective and more calming approach thanks to Exhale!

Enjoy these pictures I was able to take prior to getting my warrior pose on! Namaste !

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Freelance Photojournalist/ Bon Vivant Blogger ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis
#SobeSavvy

#SobeSavvy Presents #BeachyBrunches ! Vol 8: @Barceloneta #Brunch #BarcelonetaMiami #SouthBeach #Miami

October 9, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Can’t make it to Cantalonia for brunch next Sunday ? Do the next best thing and make your way to Barceloneta Restaurant in Miami Beach http://barcelonetarestaurant.com/south-beach/. To call this Spanish import a “tapas” restaurant would do it a disservice. It is much more. The decor is definitely Spanish. Smoky wood furnishings and long tables are present. So is excellent customer service and delicious food.

Their brunch offering are ecclectic in a very good way. We started with a glass of sangria and a mimosa to get our Spanish journey started. Croque Monsier was up first. They put a spanish spin on this iconic french sandwich with serrano ham. Next we tried the Caracoles a La Llauna, which is escargot with rabbit sausage. Both were uniquely good. I loved how you sink the light pastry puffs in the escargot to soak up all of it’s flavors. Next up was their Revuelto De Gambas, which is best described as eggs w/langostines and caramalized onions. Pure heaven. The flavors just burst on the palette. We finished our Spanish culinary trip with the Torrijas.That is Spanish French Toast with quince butter and apple and maple syrup. They soak the bread overnight in the batter so it permeates in every inch of the bread when they cook it in the morning. It was incredible.

Save $900 for a flight to Barcelona and just go to Barceloneta. You will leave happy.

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Freelance Photojournalist ~ Bon Vivant Blogger
Follow @IJust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy

@Elitbystoli #elitbystoli @elitMiami Pairing Dinner @LureFishbar @LoewsMiami Cocktails by @RJFerrara3 ~ Photo Recap by #SobeSavvy

October 9, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On October 8, 2014, Miami New Times Best “Seafood Restaurant” , Lure Fishbar, partnered with Russian vodka brand, Stolichnaya, to host a six-course pairing dinner. Guests enjoyed dishes crafted by Lure’s Executive Chef John Iatrellis expertly paired with cocktails made with Elit by Stoli vodka by Lure’s mixologist, Rob Ferrara.

The evening was curated by Stoli Brand Ambassador, Meagan Sacher, who guided eager imbibers through each pairing and the vodka’s flavor notes. The enticing menu included fresh seafood from Lure’s extensive raw bar as well as a number of savory dishes.

Elit by Stoli Pairing Menu at Lure Fishbar

ESTATE CAVIAR

Tsar Nicoulai from San Francisco

AMUSE

Crispy Rice Cake

Cocktail Pairing

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

Chilled Elit by Stoli with Gold Flakes

RAW BAR PLATTER

Wianno & Blue Point (East Coast), Kushi & Kumamoto (West Coast), Shrimp and Clams

Cocktail Pairing

50/50

Elit by Stoli, Dolin Dry, Orange Bitters

SUSHI PLATTER

Tuna and Salmon Nigiri, Hamachi Rolls, Lure Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeño

Cocktail Pairing

NIKOLAI VOLKOFF

Elit by Stoli, Ginger, Lemon, Orgeat, Apple Juice

FISH ENTREE

Whole Daurade, Watercress, Agrodolce, Steamed Jasmine Rice & Charred Lemon

Cocktail Pairing

KORNIKOVA

Elit by Stoli, House-Made Lavender Cordial, Lemon, Orange Bitters, Sparkling Wine

MEAT ENTREE

Tenderloin, Mushroom & Pear Onion Demi Herb with Mashed Potatoes

Cocktail Pairing

DRAGO

Elit by Stoli, East India Sherry, Angostura Bitters

DESSERT

Pot of Gold & Ice Cream Sandwiches

Cocktail Pairing

THE BIG LEBOWSKI

Elit by Stoli, Almond Milk, Vanilla, Panther Coffee Reduction, Nutmeg

Lure Fishbar is located in the historic St. Moritz Tower at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel – 1601 Collins Avenue. Valet parking is available. Website: www.lurefishbar.com

For more information about Elit by Stoli , go to elitbystoli.com

Enjoy my photo recap of this ultimate pairing experience! *Additional photo credit: Rebecca Darling

Cheers,
‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Freelance Photojournalist ~ Bon Vivant Blogger ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis

#SobeSavvy Presents #BeachyBrunches ! Vol 7: @Iceboxcafe #Brunch #PurdyAvenue #SouthBeach #Miami

October 3, 2014SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Want a brunch where locals are valued ? Want a brunch where not one item you ingest has ever seen the inside of a freezer? If so than Icebox Cafe is your spot. On a recent lazy Sunday morning the family and I meandered up to Icebox Cafe on Purdy Ave here in South Beach. We were promptly seated and treated to one of the most delightful brunch experiences one can ask for in a casual setting. Their decor speaks to the calm sophistication of the establishment. Icebox has been a Miami Beach mainstay for many many years. The reason for that is simple. They cater to residents more than most in their service, value and quality. It has a reputation for chef inspired fresh dishes and inventive drinks. We started with their Bubbles & Berries Sangria for two. It is served in simple but unique fashion as the picture of it below attests. All the fruit was fresh and muddled already in the flutes. All you need to do is add Presecco. Easy enough and awesome enough. Since we had our daughter with us she wanted a fruit plate. Freshly cut and nicely presented. I had the shrimp and grits and my hubby had the guava stuffed french toast. Both were great. My husband loved the fact that he was having breakfast and dessert in the same plate. They also have great handcrafted Bloody Mary’s and cocktails. Their Purdy Pear cocktail is made from their own fermented Pears in Vodka. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Icebox Cafe’s stylish and airy atmosphere just added to the relaxed mood. Next time you seek a causal yet stylish brunch with great food and great drink. Don’t think too long about where to go. Go to Icebox Cafe. Tell em Sobesavvy.com sent ya !

@VeuveClicquot #ClicqoutMail @VillaAzur @TheDutchMiami @WSobe – #SobeSavvy Recaps

October 3, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Veuve Clicquot went on a cross country mail truck tour – adorned in Veuve Clicquot’s iconic yellow hue and delivering exciting surprises in cities across the country, the Clicquot Mail truck last stop was in Miami. The public was invited to attend these events and SobeSavvy.com joined others on the Clicquot by Mail truck’s stops in Miami !

The celebration of the Clicquot Mail Truck’s debut in Miami began on Thursday, October 9, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., at Villa Azur! Guests enjoyed light bites and sipped on Yellow Label by-the-glass for $20 and Rose for $30, while enjoying the Clicquot photo booth and live music. There was also a calligraphist on site where guests had hand-written post cards created to mail to friends and family or post it to the Clicquot Post Board! Here are some pictures from the evening :

Stop 2 was on Friday, October 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Conrad, where guests enjoyed a Veuve Clicquot Happy Hour. Stop 3 was outdoors on the covered patio at Sea Salt & Pepper on Saturday, October 11, from 4:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m.

The final soiree was on Sunday, October 12, at the W South Beach Hotel & Residences where they hosted a fried chicken and bubbles party at Grove and on the terrace of The Dutch from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Guests had the opportunity to check out the truck while enjoying a menu of hot fried chicken, honey butter biscuits and house made Anthony’s slaw. Unlimited glasses of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label will be available for $99 and food for $45. Yellow Label will also be available by-the-glass and by-the-bottle. Enjoy these pics as seen on the scene :

SobeSavvy.com enjoyed the #ClicqoutMail tour. Be sure to Follow @VeuveClicquot to stay informed on any future events !

Cheers!

@YardHouse Scores a Touchdown with their New Menu Items Reviewed by #SobeSavvy

September 27, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

The NFL season is now in full swing and you are looking for a place to watch the game. You can choose from :

A. local hole in the wall bar with one tv.

B. local hole in the wall bar with one tv that serves frozen winglets and cans of PBR

C. A modern stylish bar/restaurant with dozens of flat screens showing all the games while you enjoy a truffle cheeseburger and a pint of Irish Stout

If you choose C { who wouldn’t} than look no further. Yardhouse Restaurant is your spot. http://www.yardhouse.com/FL/miami-beach-restaurant/

They have recently expanded their menu with some delicious and eclectic choices. If you are already a YH fan, then you already know YH is THE place on Sunday afternoons to cheer for your favorite team while trying one of their MANY MANY beer choices. If you have never been to YH..well what are you waiting for ?

They invited Sobesavvy.com to sample their new items at the Miami Beach location. New burger choices include a Lamb burger and a Truffle Cheeseburger. Both oh so good. Appetizer choices did not dissappoint either. Their take on crispy brussel sprouts was inventive and it succeeds.The queso dip took me back to my days living on the Mexican border in Brownsville, TX. It is THAT good. If you want to try something out of the ordinary than try the Banh Mi sandwich. Lots of things on it,but it all goes together rather well.

No matter who you root for always know that YH has the winning score everyday. Especially on Sundays. Since I am originally from Baltimore..GO RAVENS !!

#SobeSavvy goes on a “24 hr Respite” @SB_Hotel #SouthBeachHotel @ThinkHotelGrp #ThinkSouthBeach #SBH

September 21, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

South beach hotel choices run the gamut. Uber luxury chain hotels to small mom and pop motels. SobeSavvy was invited to spend the night at the SBH hotel located in the rapidly upcoming area of Collins Park.http://www.southbeachhotel.com

It is a boutique hotel that caters to those who value discretion over flash. The lobby is small{ and to scale for the hotel size} and has whimsical touches. Rooms are done tastefully in minimalist style. They also take the mini bar to a new level. Top Shelf choices abound and you also have a mini fridge with other offerings available. It also has the latest technology to keep you connected for work or play. SBH has free hi speed WiFi access and IHOME radio to connect your ipod or smartphone for your musical pleasure. Flat screen HD TV guarantees a sharp picture with DirectTV. The bathroom has coveted GuyAndGirl parabeen free bath and shower products. Due to historical structure designation SBH has guests utilize the rooftop pool on their sister property next door, the Boulan Hotel. The pool area is amazingly serene and styled in a balinese-esque style. Guests also have complimentary real American style breakfast at Orange Blossom Restaurant next to the Boulan.http://orangeblossommiami.com/

Those who seek a true beach holiday will not be disappointed. SBH is only one block west from the sand and surf. Two beach chairs are complimentary for each day of a guest stay. They also have sunscreen and lip balm in each room for purchase.

Check out SBH for your next vacation or staycation. Tell em Sobesavvy.com sent ya !

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#SobeSavvy Recaps @SOBESEAFOODFEST #CHEFSHOWDOWN @ THE SEAFOOD & SNEAKERS BALL!

#SobeSavvy in #Bimini #Bahamas ! My #BiminiBliss #Daycation #Travel Recap ~ @RWBimini @abcrentalsbimini @PortEverglades Inaugural #Cruise

#SobeSavvy Presents #thePowerofHappyHour! Vol 7 @socialclubatsurf @KimptoninFl #southbeach #miami #happyhour

Rise and #Yoga ! @ExhaleSpa #SouthBeach #Miami @Loews_Hotels ~ Recap by #SobeSavvy

#SobeSavvy Presents #BeachyBrunches ! Vol 8: @Barceloneta #Brunch #BarcelonetaMiami #SouthBeach #Miami

@Elitbystoli #elitbystoli @elitMiami Pairing Dinner @LureFishbar @LoewsMiami Cocktails by @RJFerrara3 ~ Photo Recap by #SobeSavvy

#SobeSavvy Presents #BeachyBrunches ! Vol 7: @Iceboxcafe #Brunch #PurdyAvenue #SouthBeach #Miami

@VeuveClicquot #ClicqoutMail @VillaAzur @TheDutchMiami @WSobe – #SobeSavvy Recaps

@YardHouse Scores a Touchdown with their New Menu Items Reviewed by #SobeSavvy

#SobeSavvy goes on a “24 hr Respite” @SB_Hotel #SouthBeachHotel @ThinkHotelGrp #ThinkSouthBeach #SBH