Fabulous friday, Travel

Travel Tuesday: Puglia

October 31, 2017
By Karen Escalera

First came the American travelers In their private jets, then frequent travelers to Italy who have done Tuscany, Venice, Rome and Florence. Apulia (or Puglia in Modern Italian) is getting discovered, but has still escaped the crowds and high prices, and maintains its authenticity and sense of place, and it’s a gem. It was here we recently traveled after Ethiopia (Ethiopian Airways has nonstop service from Addis Ababa to Rome). As with my earlier travel Fabulous Friday, rather than a travel article, I’m going to tell you about fascinating facts about the region relating to Italian history and customs, and show you culinary eye candy. Sit back, relax, and enjoy:

Fashion, Food

Amsterdam Falafel Shop

October 30, 2017
By Karen Escalera

I like falafel, fried balls of ground chick peas with spices, but it hasn't been one of my favorite dishes. That's until now, and my discovery of the Amsterdam Falafel Shop, a recent import that's already in Washington D.C, Boston and Dallas. Highly reviewed, it has appeared everywhere from USA Today and Grub Street to Food and Wine and others. In their two Miami shops, on Washington Avenue in South Beach and Sunset Drive in South Miami, they focus on only two dishes -- falafel and Frieten, french fries the Belgian way, as in twice fried.

Entertainment

Boo! Where to Celebrate Halloween 2017

October 27, 2017
By Karen Escalera

Happy Halloween! If you’re looking for a good way to ring in the spookiest day of the year, look no further than some of Miami’s best parties, dining events, and days out with the family. From Mexican parties with live DJs, to a costume-filled day at Zoo Miami, a sexy party at Baoli and Vizcaya’s annual fête, here are our picks for Miami’s best 2017 Halloween events… curated just for you.

Beverage, Entertainment

Where to Party in Miami This Fall

October 23, 2017
By Karen Escalera

Stay cool this fall at some of the Magic City’s hottest spots to party. Checkout our list of seven haute places to hangout after the sun goes down—we’ve curated it just for you.

Fabulous friday, Travel

Fabulous Friday: Ethiopia

October 20, 2017
By Karen Escalera

A travel destination to put on your bucket list is Ethiopia, that is if your tastes run to places that are distinctive, authentic, and rich civilizations with centuries old history with their own culture, food, music and dance. After a little over a week there, I’d put it in a category with India, Mexico, Egypt and China – my favorites for exotic travel.

Fashion

New Fashion Find, Concept Store

October 16, 2017
By Karen Escalera

Miami’s fashion scene continues to have exciting, fresh new talent thanks to the growing number of Latin American designers coming to the Magic City. The latest showcase for young Latin talent – no fewer than 40 designers for women and men - is Artbition. I found it from a tip from an always stylish friend who used to be a personal shopper for the rich and famous in town (even better, for her own fashion, she likes clothes and jewelry that don't break the bank).

Food

Hungry Harvest

October 11, 2017
By Karen Escalera

Get fresh fruit and produce delivered direct to your door (no outside pickups required) with new purveyor Hungry Harvest. The point of difference is that it’s "rescued" produce that would otherwise not be eaten because the farmer or wholesaler over planted or overbought, or because of minor cosmetic flaws. They're offering readers $10 off too on signup.

Food

Updated: 6 Places for Best Dumplings in Miami

October 9, 2017
By Karen Escalera

In honor of the recent National Dumpling Day, I started researching places for the best dumplings in town. At first, the idea was just for a list, not identifying which was the top place.And then I discovered Tanuki on Alton Road. OMG, hands down the very best dim sum in the Magic City. So here's the scoop on Tanuki and a list of other good bets and variety -- from Wagyu beef and chive and crab meat, to crispy chicken, mushroom and potato, shrimp, and edamame. Note that places where I've tried the dumplings are highlighted in blue; the others are recommendations from foodies in town with special credentials on Chinese food. Get ready to drool!

Entertainment, Food

Best Caterers’ Fab Table Settings

October 5, 2017
By Karen Escalera

I checked in at Social Miami's "Behind the Magic: Second Annual Tablescapes & Culinary Experience" for some serious eye candy on a rainy yesterday at SoHo Studios in Wynwood, and eye candy it was. A photo gallery.

Culture, Entertainment

Unique Cultural Series: Ojala Inshallah

October 3, 2017
By Karen Escalera

Serious kudos go to MDC Live Arts for what sounds like an extraordinary and thoughtful series of cultural events designed to explore the global diversity of Muslim culture. The Spanish word Ojala means" I wish" or "I hope so" and drives its meaning from the Arabic phrase "insha'Allah or God willing. The promotional brochure explains that the word is a " reminder of the Moorish impact on the Spanish language and Hispanic identity shared by many of greater Miami's residents. The objective of the series is to celebrate Muslim and Middle Eastern and North African communities as a valuable part of Miami's richly diverse culture" with events of all the performing arts by stars in their respective fields. It kicks off Saturday, October 7.

Month: October 2017