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Great Websites for Unique Sandwich Recipes

March 25, 2014 by portofino

You use a recipe for pastas, soups and cakes, but you probably wouldn’t think of looking up a recipe for a sandwich. These helpful websites feature sandwich recipes that are much more elaborate than your usual grilled cheese, and you’ll certainly notice the difference in taste.

Food Network
The Food Network is home to some wonderful shows about sandwiches, and now you can learn to make them yourself. Their Top Sandwich Recipes page features everything from grown-up turkey sandwiches to hot, gravy-covered sandwiches that are more dinner than lunch. The Mahi Mahi Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that you might not have heard of, while the French Dip recipe will show you how to make this diner favorite right at home.

101 Cookbooks
Instead of updating the sandwiches you already love, try something completely new with the unique recipes on 101 Cookbooks. This beautifully-designed website is easy to navigate, and it makes for hours of inspiration for your next sandwich. 101 Cookbooks features an Avocado Asparagus Tartine, Vegetarian Lentil Burgers, and even an Egg Salad Sandwich with Greek yogurt instead of the usual mayonnaise.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/accidentalhedonist

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Cooking, Food, Recipes, Sandwiches

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A Beautiful Estate in Miami

March 18, 2014 by portofino

Formerly the opulent winter villa of wealthy industrialist James Deering of International Harvester, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers visitors an opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful estates in Miami. A great spot for a day trip from Portofino at Biscayne, the lavish 1916 Italianate mansion in the Coconut Grove area looks out on the glittering expanse of Biscayne Bay and was crafted by over 1,000 workers.

Much of the artwork, furniture, and tapestries from Deering’s collection are still in the house. The landscaped gardens feature elaborate landscaping with lush tropical plants, fountains, and walkways. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children, with discounts for seniors, students, and disabled persons. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open Wednesdays through Mondays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

3251 S. Miami Avenue

Miami, FL 33129

(305) 250-9133

http://www.yelp.com/biz/vizcaya-museum-and-gardens-miami-2

By Mark Pellegrini (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Miami Attractions, Museums, Things to Do in Miami, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

March 17, 2014 by portofino

May the luck of the Irish be with you today.

Filed Under: Life at Portofino at Biscayne Apartments

Metro Organic Bistro: Healthful Fare in Miami

March 11, 2014 by portofino

As the name suggests, Metro Organic Bistro is Miami’s destination for organic fine dining. The small menu features light American fare and most ingredients are organically grown and locally sourced. Recommended starters include the salmon carpaccio with fennel and capers, as well as the croquette salad, beets and warm goat cheese croquettes over a bed of baby arugula. Entrees range from sandwiches and burgers from grass fed beef, to steaks and chops, including free range braised chicken. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike recommend the sprouted chickpea cakes topped with avocado, butter beans, tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette.

The 1950s South Florida architecture and simple modern decor give the place character and friendly service ensures an enjoyable experience. Indoor dining is limited, but there is plenty of space on their patio.

Metro Organic Bistro
7010 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33138
(305) 751-8756
www.metroorganicbistro.com
www.yelp.com/biz/metro-organic-bistro-miami

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Metro Organic Bistro, Miami Dining, Restaurants in Miami

Wings Over Miami Air Museum: The World of Flight

March 4, 2014 by portofino

Fascinated by the world of flight? Located in a hangar at Tamiami Executive Airport, Wings Over Miami Air Museum is your ticket to exploring a wide variety of aircraft in Miami, Florida. The Museum's collection includes a 1942 Ryan PT-22, a 1961 Yellowbird Schweizer, a 1-26 Sailplane, and a 1945 North American SNJ-6. The latest addition to the museum is a restored 1943 Navy SNJ/4. You can also view cutaway exhibits of plane engines, a 1953 Willys Army Jeep and a mock-up of a WWII communications tent. The Wings Over Miami Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Wings Over Miami Museum

Kendall Tamiami Executive Airport

14710 SW 128 Street

Miami, FL 33196

(305) 233-5197

http://www.yelp.com/biz/wings-over-miami-air-museum-miami

By Prasetyo, Muhammad ECTOR (Flikr.com) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Miami Attractions, Museums, Things to Do in Miami, Wings Over Miami Air Museum

Where to Shop American-Made Labels on the Web

February 25, 2014 by portofino

Whether you're seeking a high-quality product, you're ooking to spur the domestic economy, or you just relate to the look of certain label, opting for American-made apparel and accessories is always a commendable choice. Below, find five websites that sell American-made products.

Pendleton The Portland Collection
Incorporating wool milled in the company's Pacific Northwest woolen mills, Pendleton's entire The Portland Collection of men's and women's apparel and accessories is made in the USA.

Steven Alan
Stocking a laundry list of labels, including Steven Alan's eponymous designs, this website features many American-made finds, including men's and women's apparel from the likes of Filson, Band of Outsiders, and Black Crane.

Nate's American Made Store
From tools, toys, and baby blankets to apparel, backpacks, and bird feeders, every single item sold on this website is made in America.

Allen Edmonds
Since 1922, Allen Edmonds has been handcrafting American-made men's leather casual and dress shoes that undergo a detailed 212-step manufacturing process.

Catbird
With a brick-and-mortar location in Brooklyn, Catbird is renowned for a charming selection of handmade jewelry from independent New York designers.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Apparel, Fashion, Made in the USA, Shopping

Track Your Exercise With These Running Logs

February 25, 2014 by portofino

If you love running and constantly try to beat your own best time, online running logs are incredibly helpful tools. Even if you’re a beginner runner, these handy logbooks can help you to keep track of your runs and praise yourself for a week with no days off. Here are two online running logs to help you find the motivation to keep on running.

LogYourRun
If you’re simply looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense running log, this one is for you. LogYourRun offers an exercise log where you can enter your runs, track your weekly times, distance, and pace, and even keep track of your weight. It offers maps of the best running routes in your area, and the impressive import feature allows you to import data from your mobile device or other websites.

MapMyRun
Specifically tailored toward your area, MapMyRun is a mobile app and online website that helps you train for an upcoming race or simply compare your personal runs. It allows you to create a challenge and alerts you once you’ve met your goal, and it also includes pre-made training plans that act just like a running coach. With a simple interface and a handy mobile platform, MapMyRun is a great tool for any tech-savvy runner.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/timtak

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Exercise, Fitness, Running, Weight Loss

HistoryMiami: South Florida’s History

February 18, 2014 by portofino

Many people say that you don’t become a true South Floridian until you learn the fascinating story of the region. A visit to the HistoryMiami museum will help you do just that, with exhibits that include Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida, Opa Locka: Mirage City, Aviation in Miami: the First 100 Years, and Guayabera: A Shirt’s Story. The museum also offers a variety of walking, bicycle, boat, and coach tours that get you out and about exploring some of the most fascinating aspects of the area, including historic neighborhoods, gardens, landmarks and art galleries. HistoryMiami is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 children.

HistoryMiami

101 W. Flagler Street

Miami, FL 33130

(305) 375-1492

http://www.yelp.com/biz/historymiami-miami

By Ebyabe (Own work) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC-BY-2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: HistoryMiami, Miami Attractions, Museums, Things to Do in Miami

Happy President’s Day!

February 17, 2014 by portofino

Millions of workers and school children in the United States are getting a day off Monday for the annual Presidents' Day holiday.

It first became a federal holiday in 1879 to celebrate the February 22 birthday of the first U.S. president, George Washington.

Nearly a century later, in 1968, Congress passed a law shifting the celebration of several federal holidays from specific dates to predetermined Mondays in order to give workers three consecutive days off.

Retailers take advantage of the holiday – held on the third Monday in February – to promote sales and price cuts on their products.

Although the day is still officially known as Washington's Birthday, it has evolved into Presidents' Day to celebrate both Washington's birthday and that of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president whose birthday falls on February 12. Lincoln's birthday was never an official federal holiday, although many states celebrated the day.

Presidents' Day is now widely viewed as a day to celebrate all presidents past and present.