Travel

Travel Survival Tips 2018

June 26, 2018
By Karen Escalera

It's not even peak travel season yet and many places are packed. In fact, I just read in a report by IATA (Intl. Air Transport Assn) that 204 airports worldwide are running out of capacity to accommodate additional flights! Plus, as companies put in more technology, there are fewer people at hand to help out. But if you love travel, you adapt, and "survival tactics" need to come into play. Here are some of my tried and true travel tips 2018, and others I learned after a recent eight city trip. Love to hear your suggestions and comments as well, as I know a lot of you out there are well traveled.

Beauty, Culture, Entertainment, Food, Wellness

Karen’s Kudos June

June 25, 2018
By Karen Escalera

A baby spa Miami, delicious coffee in 60 seconds without a machine, Spanish bookstore, nail salon that gets the details, my verdict on the Movie Pass, a new bakery and more news in Coconut Grove, all in Karen's Kudos for June.

Food

Mira Five Stars

June 19, 2018
By Karen Escalera

When we walked into Mira Five Stars and saw the sumptuous decor, my first thought was maybe this restaurant would be about show and not substance. What I happily found was food and a dining experience that matched the quality of the surroundings, plus Mirko Caldino, the talented Executive Chef from Liguria who has worked at Putin’s dacha outside of Moscow. Even better news is they’re offering luncheon and dinner prixe fixe menus that offer quality and value as an introduction to the new restaurant.

Travel

Russia Surprises

June 18, 2018
By Karen Escalera

What will World Cup visitors to Moscow find? All I can say is nothing prepared me for the Russia I saw on my recent trip to Moscow and St. Petersburg with New York Times Journeys in coordination with Abercrombie & Kent, one of a terrific series of educational trips led by a bureau chief, editor or contributor to the Times joined by guest lecturers.In this blogpost I’ve chosen not to describe many of the tourist sights – you can find that in any guidebook or travel article. Here are Russia surprises, revelations and curious observations I thought you’d enjoy reading about (even if you've been there before), with images of course.

Fashion, Shopping

Fabulous Friday: Cafetera Ring

June 15, 2018
By Karen Escalera

A perfect gift for the person who can’t get enough coffee. Works too for those of us who like jewelry that’s sure to be a topic of conversation. It’s the two inch tall sterling silver ring that’s a “cafetera”. Yes, you got it right – it’s styled like a Cuban coffee machine, complete with a lid that you can raise.

Travel

Bucket List: Azerbaijan

June 12, 2018
By Karen Escalera

Azerbaijan, little known even to the well traveled, conjures up images of the exotic, perhaps a little “wild and wooly” and as only being for the intrepid traveler. What's it like? Images tell it all along with some fascinating facts about Azerbaijan travel.

Food

Our Favorite Lunch Deals

June 11, 2018
By Karen Escalera

Looking for a wonderful spot for lunch Miami that's also a deal? Here are our eight favorites around town. Most aren't cheap, but considering the stylish settings, service, quality of the food and you get three courses, they offer value for the money. Plus, you get a chance to try hot spots that are a lot pricier at night. Happy lunching!

Beverage

Miami’s Most Stylish Bars

June 5, 2018
By Karen Escalera

Drinking is a sport here in the Magic City, but only the most in-the-know locals know where to go to do it right . For a night out (or even just a happy hour!) that fuses good drinks with surroundings designed to dazzle, sip on something sophisticated at these stylish Miami bars, below. Cheers!

Culture, Entertainment, Food, Things to Do

June Events for All Tastes

June 4, 2018
By Karen Escalera

The beat keeps on in Miami in June with lots of events. Our picks for the month: from the first ever Coral Gables Culinary Month, French Fete de La Musique and Redland Summer Fruit Festival, to a special flamenco performance of the famous "Amor Brujo" and astronomy happening. We love them—and we think you will, too!

Month: June 2018