#OutandAboutAva Reviews Kid Menu @Yardhouse #MiamiBeach ~ Recap by #SobeSavvy !

April 6, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

“I’m Hungry” says Ava, my 2.5 yr old daughter yesterday. I respond, ” Let’s go to Yardhouse for lunch “. When people think Yardhouse they think of great food and even greater beer choices but Yardhouse Miami Beach has just introduced their long awaited Kids menu. Yardhouse Miami Beach has been a great addition to the food scene near Lincoln Road since opening a few months ago. Locals now have a place to eat and drink for a reasonable cost. Their kids menu didn’t dissapoint either. It had a few of the standby choices for kids such as fried chicken strips or hot dogs. The interesting part of their menu though showed a level of trust and sophistication they assume kids today with their global palettes would like.

After all, kids and food is the ultimate truth test. If a kid doesn’t like a food it becomes obvious in the first bite, smell or visual cue. Yardhouse offers whole grain spaghetti w/turkey meatballs. Korean BBQ Beef made with short ribs or maybe try the egg noodles with butter. Maybe try the BBQ Chicken Pizza. These choices are not found in the normal drive thru fast food spots.

She loved the spaghetti and turkey meatballs. It was a generous portion of adult quality food. It came with steamed broccoli and a strawberry lemonade. When she looked up with red stained lips and mouth, I asked her how is it. She responded with two thumbs up. It was a success.

Next time the kids are hungry, make a beeline to Yardhouse. For kid’s sake.

#SobeSavvy Presents #BeachyBrunches ! Vol 4: @BalansLincolnRoad Weekday #Brunch

April 5, 2014SobeSavvy Leave a comment

Officially brunch takes place on Sat and Sunday mornings. Unofficially, according to Balans restaurant on Lincoln Road you can brunch any day of the week when they open at 8am. My family and I took them up on their offer and brunched there this past Thursday morning. One huge advantage of a weekday brunch is that you avoid the weekend crush of people who loyally flock to this Lincoln Road mainstay for their breakfast fix.

Balans is a UK chain that now has 5 outposts in Miami. Lincoln Road is the original. Sobe is an area where “here today, gone tomorrow ” restaurants are a fact that us locals bemoan. Balans has been here for over 16 years. That is one reason that Balans has been a staple in our culinary habits. The other is their honest pricing. No tourist trap here. Fair for Fare. Good food and portions for sensible prices. Brunch is no different. Situated on the far western end of Lincoln Road, Balans has a great relaxed atmosphere. You can choose from their stylish indoor space where they have a full bar at your disposal or opt for outside seating. There you will find casual tables or do like we did and lounge in one of their sofa tables where you can stretch out for a meal or a drink.

We were greeted by Francisco, their gracious and witty manager. He gave us an overview of their breakfast menu. The menu has everything from smoothies to various egg dishes and pancakes. We had their Jumbo Breakfast and Crab Eggs Benedict. Jumbo came with Eggs, sausage, bacon, Potatoes and pancakes ! Filling and delicious. Pancakes come with their unique pecan butter spread which was amazing. The Crab Benedict melted in our mouths. Huge chunks of real lump crabmeat under a traditional benedict of poached egg on a english muffin. Great twist on a classic dish. They also serve many varieties of bellinis and mimosas to quench your thirst. What a great meal on a warm and breezy Thursday morning.

If you seek a non tourist trap place for brunch on Lincoln Road then Balans is for you. Any day of the week.

http://www.balans.co.uk/site/index.php/miami/lincoln-road/

Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
http://www.SobeSavvy.com
Follow Twitter/Instagram @IJust_LoveThis
Hashtag #SobeSavvy

#SobeSavvy Presents #BeachyBrunches ! Vol 3: @BLTSteakMiami Weekend #Brunch @TheBetsyHotel

March 17, 2014SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Sunday has evolved into the official day to have brunch. That being the case, this Sunday my family and I “brunched” on the “quiet” end of Ocean Drive at BLT Steak restaurant inside the Betsy Hotel http://www.thebetsyhotel.com/restaurants/blt-steak-en.html. While this is a renowned steak restaurant, it also excels at the days first meal. It has a weekend brunch that I describe as cool, quiet and classy. Want a rowdy brunch with a dj and girls prancing on a stage ? This ain’t the one. Want a brunch with world class food and be surrounded by iconic photos of the Beatles and the Fab Four’s tunes quietly piped in the background? It’s here. For decor think beige and white with clean lines. You can dine on the breezy elevated patio or in their casually refined dining room. We enjoyed dishes like lobster cobb salad and their infamous breakfast popover entree which is a combination of Eggs Benedict and an open faced ham and spinach omelette cocooned inside of half a bread popover shell. A popover is one of their signature creations. It is hard to describe. I call it the rich man’s biscuit, but I’ll let you decide. Whatever you call it, call it yummy. Our server Rachel was friendly and attentive w/out being intrusive. They also have a fresh raw bar and sushi offerings on the menu. Something for everyone. Get to BLT Steak for brunch. Make a reservation…Now

Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
http://www.SobeSavvy.com
Follow Twitter/Instagram @IJust_LoveThis
Hashtag #SobeSavvy

#SobeSavvy Presents #BeachyBrunches! Vol 2: @ThePalaceSobe “Sabados Gigantes” Saturday #Brunch

February 17, 2014SobeSavvy 1 Comment

Hey Miami and those of you who plan to visit,there is a new brunch on the beach! A place for gays, straights, fun-lovers and food-lovers to come and toast to life. If you love brunch with a show, you no longer have to wait to have a Funday on Sunday!

On Saturday at the Palace Bar, SobeSavvy checked out “SABADOS GIGANTES” with longtime SoBe latin drag personality Adora. It’s their newest brunch addition to their popular brunch series. Yes, there are now two options for brunch at Palace ..now Saturday and Sunday!
It’s a truly Miami style latin brunch, with non-stop hilarious drag performances in Spanglish as well as a delicious totally-new totally-latin brunch menu (menu changes weekly and often includes favorites like churrasco and eggs or tropical pancakes with coconut and mango). There is UNLIMITED white or red sangria for the entire duration of the seating which begins at 2PM and goes til about 4:15 or so. All for $35 per person.

“Sabados Gigantes” also includes a DJ pumping out some classic Miami club tracks and live percussionists throughout the shows. When the brunch finishes the party really gets going. They crank up the music with a new weekly local guest DJ (straight and gay) and the drag shows continue all night long. Brunch is just a portion of all the Saturday fun.

The Palace is located at 1200 Ocean Dr in the heart of South Beach. There is a parking garage located at 13th and Collins. Check out http://www.PalaceSouthBeach.com and Follow @ThePalaceSoBe for more information.

Here is my photo recap of the delicious debauchery happening every Saturday at the Palace! Enjoy!

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh -Freelance Photojournalist -Bon Vivant Blogger- SobeSavvy.com
Follow @IJust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy #BeachyBrunches

#SobeSavvy Presents #BeachyBrunches! Vol 1: @NikkiBeachMiami Amazing Sunday #Brunch

January 28, 2014SobeSavvy 2 Comments

” I’ll take another langostine from the Paella Seafood platter”. That’s what I told my husband this past Sunday at Nikki Beach’s world famous Farm To Table Sunday Brunch. It was a lazy 80 degree January afternoon and life was good. Nikki beach was celebrating Chinese New Year during their weekly Sunday brunch. Chinese themes and attire was all around. This is no ordinary brunch. How many places can you sunbathe and simultaneously brunch ?

White loungers on the sand. White Daybeds on the sand. Tables on the sand. Quiet chill out music playing.You get the picture. Besides the beautiful aesthetic of it all, it is unlike so many things here in Miami that are style over substance. Nikki Beach is the rare style AND substance.Yes the atmosphere reeks beach chic sophistication, but so does the cuisine. Nikki Beach has many items either buffet style or made to order. Basic brunch staples like omelettes and waffles are made to order. They specialize at the unexpected. Seafood paella topped with mussels, grilled calamari and yes, giant langostines. Pad Thai made to order. A Vietnamese soup bar. Custom made crepe station. Cheese and salad stations are there too. An assortment of petite deserts are found inside across from the meat carving station and sushi bar. Fresh watermelon juice flows from a tiki faucet.

They offer discounted house champagne , mimosas and bloody mary’s for $7 to quench your thirst. Can’t make it to St Tropez next Sunday ? Than go to Nikki Beach.You won’t be sorry

Where: Nikki Beach 1 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, Fl 33139
http://www.nikkibeachmiami.com/nikki-beach-miami-sunday-brunch-menu/
When: Every Sunday 11am – 4pm
Cost: $49.95 Champagne, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas are a la carte for $7

Enjoy some pics from my brunch at Nikki Beach

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh / Freelance Photojournalist
The ‘Bon Vivant ‘ Blogger
http://www.SobeSavvy.com
Follow Twitter/Instagram @IJust_LoveThis
Hashtag #SobeSavvy

#SobeSavvy Recaps #ITSPURELYMENTAL #Event Hosted by @JimKarol & @Wakaflockabsm Held @Templehousemiami

December 16, 2013SobeSavvy Leave a comment

On December 12, 2013, I attended The Dream black-tie event, hosted by “Mind Over Man” Jim Karol, America’s foremost memory and brain training expert recognized for his incredible memory and unusually high brain capacity, and Juaquin Malphurs, better known as musician Waka Flocka, a rapper from Atlanta committed to building community by giving back. This event featured inspirational stories of brain recovery, dinner, a live/silent auction and entertainment at Miami Beach’s legendary The Temple House.

The makers of ItsPurelyMental.com, a new brain training website launching in 2014, presented the annual black-tie fundraiser in support of brain research. This year’s beneficiaries were the International Brain Research Foundation, a 501c3 public charity dedicated to helping individuals with brain conditions and the local beneficiary, Lighthouse Foundation, whose mission is to assist children and their families in South Florida who struggle with educational, financial, and medical hardships. Organizers hope to raise $100,000 at this year’s soiree with 250 plus guests in attendance.

ItsPurelyMental.com, is currently under development by a dream team of mental experts led by Dieuveny “DJ” Louis to include some of world’s most renowned neuro scientists and Mind Over Man Jim Karol. World renowned neurologists will be working with the IPM Research Labs to ensure the efficacy of the brain games that will launch on ItsPurelyMental.com. Utilizing the latest in brain research, ItsPurleyMental.com will stimulate, exercise and improve the mind through innovative and motivating brain games. Users will be able to target specific mental functions such as memory, efficiency and multi-tasking. Special features will allow users to share results on social media, compare scores with friends and more. For more information visit http://www.itspurelymental.com.

Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, which featured a Flying Le Grand Saint Angel pouring Le Grand Saint Rose’ Sparkling Vodka in the center of the beautifully decorated room. Cocktail hour was followed by a three-course dinner with wine service. We learned about the powers of brain training as former coma patients shared their remarkable stories of revival and recovery. Live entertainment included world-renowned pianist ELEW, and a special guest DJ, who provided upbeat music for attendees to dance the night away!

Here is my photo recap of this amazing evening. Enjoy!

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy

“Social Butterfly News for South Beach and Beyond”

My @byejoespirits Experience! #BYEJOE Tasting @HakkasanMiami Recap by #SobeSavvy

December 14, 2013SobeSavvy Leave a comment

The most consumed white spirit on Earth isn’t vodka – it’s Baijiu (pronounced “bye-joe”). It’s the most popular drink on the planet and I’ve never even heard of it! Well, not until Wednesday, December 11, 2013 when a friend asked me to be their plus one to a tasting event for ‘byejoe’ .

20 guests were invited to a private intimate pairing dinner at Hakkasan, located inside the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Resort . We arrived to celebrate and become educated about byejoe – the spirit of china, a modern revolution in asian-fusion mixology. Our introduction to Baiju included four different selections served neat: BAOJING….JIAN NAN CHUN CHIEW… Byejoe red…Byejoe Dragon Fire. Each had a distinct and acquired taste that had all of us wanting more.

Due to the high content of alcohol, Baiju is best consumed with food and Hakkasan did not disappoint. We were served three courses family style. Each paired with a Byejoe fusion cocktail. Invitees received a gift bag with two bottles of Byejoe along with customized shot glasses. Needless to say I will be enjoying the good stuff this holiday season!

Learn more about byejoe here, http://byejoe.com/byejoe/ and Follow @byejoespirits

Here is a photo recap of my first baiju experience, courtesy of Byejoe. Enjoy!

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Follow @Ijust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy
“Social Butterfly News for South Beach and Beyond”

#SobeSavvy Interviews famed artist, @HebruBrantley at @Hublot Event

December 10, 2013SobeSavvy Leave a comment

SobeSavvy had the pleasure of attending a cocktail and networking event at Hublot’s Bal Harbour Boutique. We had the opportunity to meet and interview famed artist Hebru Brantley on Fri Dec 6, 2013 . Hublot partnered with Brantley and the Mourning Family Foundation for Art Week Miami. There were art pieces on display and he donated an original piece to Tracy and Alonzo Mourning to benefit Mourning Family Foundation.
Mr. Brantley’s art can only be described in one word. Different.The famed Chicago-based artist transformed the luxury Swiss watch boutique into his own palette of imagination.
His website www.http://hebrubrantley.com describes it as..”a creative process akin to free-form journaling, using a variety of surfaces and media including wood, spray paint, coffee and tea. His work delves into political and social issues with a conscious focus on playful insight and the optimism and possibilities of youth”. I found his work colorful, playful and striking.

I interviewed Mr Brantley at the event:

What convinced you to partner with Hublot Watches ?

..”They are not a conventional brand and I am not a conventional artist so it is perfect for me.”

Do you ever fear that commercialization will ever overshadow your actual art?

..”No, with me it is integrity first. I partnered with a brand like Hubolt because they are a luxury brand, They are not a Coke or Pepsi . My art may be whimsical or playful but my fans and buyers are serious collectors who have serious collections so I do not worry about that.”

Have you ever considered doing an animated series or short films ?

” I am working on it. Most people outside of America get their initial knowledge about America from cartoons and animated films.I want to do something that while it may be aesthetically pleasing more importantly I want it to be thought provoking.”

Enjoy the pics from the event and I want to say a special thank you to Mr Brantley who took time out of a very busy day for the interview.

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy
“Social Butterfly News for South Beach and Beyond! ”

@AquaArtMiami Recap as seen by #sobesavvy

December 10, 2013SobeSavvy Leave a comment

AQUA 13 Art Miami was held from December 4 – 8, 2013 at the Aqua Hotel, located at 1530 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

AQUA 13 Art Miami celebrated its ninth consecutive installment this December and its first as one of the Art Miami LLC family of fairs. It is one of the best fairs for emerging art during Miami's Art Week. Over the years, the fair has been recognized for presenting vibrant and noteworthy international art programs with a particular interest in supporting young dealers and galleries with strong emerging and early-to-mid-career artists.

Set within a classic South Beach hotel with spacious exhibition rooms that open onto a breezy intimate courtyard, Aqua's surroundings was certainly a favorite gathering spot not only for fun and relaxation during the busy week but also as a place to exchange and disseminate new contemporary art ideas. And with its close proximity to Art Basel and continuous shuttle service to Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami, Aqua Art Miami transformed into one of the top attended satellite art events for collectors, artists, curators, critics and art enthusiasts alike!

On Wednesday, December 4th, 2013, I attended the VIP Preview: Access for Art Miami, CONTEXT and Aqua Art Miami VIP Cardholders and Press. Aqua Art Miami featured 45 dynamic young galleries from North and South America, Europe and Asia; and innovative special programming including performance art, new media and solo installations. With this commitment to artistic excellence, along with building a dynamic young marketplace with new and increased opportunities around marketing and audience services, Aqua Art Miami surpassed all expectations! For more information, go to http://www.aquaartmiami.com and Follow @AquaArtMiami.

Here is a photo recap of some of my favorite art featured at AQUA 13 Art Miami ! Enjoy!

'Lovely' Leslie Heigh ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy
"Social Butterfly News for South Beach and Beyond! "

Recap of @SavortheSeason by #SobeSavvy

November 19, 2013SobeSavvy 1 Comment

On Saturday November 16, the community came together to usher in the holiday season at the annual event known as Savor the Season!
Savor the Season is Brickell World Plaza’s annual semi-formal food and wine festival showcasing Miami’s most exciting restaurants and a spectacular selection of wine. This event benefits local non-profit organizations including the Humane Society of Greater Miami, UM’s Crohn’s and Colitis Center and UM-NSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Guests took part in 600 Brickell’s grand countdown to light up its signature 40-foot Christmas wreath.

This family friendly event took place at Brickell World Plaza , a 30,000-square-foot oasis in the very heart of the Brickell financial district, destined to become Miami’s coolest new venue for social gatherings, cultural events and entertainment. Whether it’s a musical performance on the fully wired stage, dinning al fresco under the shady live oak trees, or attending a private social event, Brickell World Plaza is the place to be.

Guests enjoyed unlimited food and wine from more than 20 of Miami’s finest restaurants and distributors, and live entertainment under the stars. We all had the opportunity to “Put on the Ritz” dance under the Miami stars! It was a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season and contribute to local community organizations. For more information, go to http://www.savortheseasonmiami.com.

Here is a photo recap of the event! Enjoy!

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis ~ #SobeSavvy
“Social Butterfly News for South Beach and Beyond!”