Today we remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our great country. We hope you have a great Memorial Day!
Sate a Sweet Tooth 24/7 at Karla Bakery in Miami
May 24, 2016 by
A labor of love, Karla Bakery is a bakery in the heart of Miami founded on family values and recipes passed down throughout the years. Opened in the 1980s after this Cuban family reunited in the United States, they have been creating perfectly crafted treats and meals for nearly 30 years.
The menu varies from chocolates to sandwiches, and everything in between. Their sandwich combos are a great deal, with a tasty ham and cheese croissant with fries and a latte for only $7. Can’t beat a deal like that. They also offer a variety of empanadas with traditional flavors and unique flavors like coconut or guava. Finish off your meal with a tasty baked good like a cabezote or caracol. You’ll find something on the menu for every hour of the day, and every palate. Sometimes you can even score a free cafecito with your purchase during late-night hours.
There aren’t many places you can grab a pastry 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but Karla Bakery is the exception. Take a seat in the cozy cafe, or order to-go online, either way you’ll be glad you did.
Karla Bakery
8353 West Flager Street
Miami, FL 33144
(305) 264-0500
www.karlabakery.com
Travel Back in Time with a Visit to Miami’s Villa Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
May 17, 2016 by
Villa Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a 1910 estate-turned-museum that can be appreciated by locals and tourists alike. This 10-acre estate in Miami was built by millionaire James Deering as a summer home where he could relax, unwind, and enjoy nature. Today, the home provides a sort of oasis from the high rises and fast paced lifestyle in Miami.
Take a tour to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the estate and learn more about how it was made the masterpiece it is today. The 36-room mansion serves as the focal point of the estate, full of incredible art collections and impeccable architecture. The gardens are almost reminiscent of Versailles, with lush greenery, perfectly groomed flora, and magnificent stone statues and features throughout. Once you’ve explored and worked up an appetite, take a stop at the cafe located on site.
The venue hosts a wide-variety of special events on a weekly basis, from members-only behind-the-scenes tours and yoga to special nighttime moonlight garden tours and family-friendly tours for a small fee.
Villa Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
3251 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
www.vizcaya.org
Save Room for Dessert at Miami’s Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
May 10, 2016 by
When you step in the door, you won’t be sure if you’ve entered an art gallery or a dining room at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar. The restaurant boasts dining rooms with high ceilings and walls covered with sketches, colorful murals, and massive paintings hung throughout. The ambiance is fitting due to its location next to the Wynwood Walls attraction, which you can admire from the patio area.
As you see the plates come out of the kitchen, you’ll realize that the artistic theme translates to the food as well, with each plate crafted like a work of art. The menu is a fusion of different influences from Latin to Mediterranean, with a variety of large plates or small plates to share. Start with the shrimp ceviche with pineapple coconut sauce or roasted beets with Valencia orange and a champagne-honey vinaigrette. Larger plates range from seared duck breast with bok choy and miso ponzu sauce to braised short ribs with a red wine demi-glace. Those just scrape the surface- there is truly something for every palate.
Save some room for one of their decadent desserts like Latin misu, which combines traditional tiramisu with dulce de leche!
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar
2550 NW Second Ave
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 722-8959
www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com/home.html
Happy Mother’s Day!
May 8, 2016 by
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate Mom! Are you doing anything special for your mother today?
Brickell Key Park: Take Your Run to Your Own Private Island
May 3, 2016 by
Miami is home to quite a few wonderful parks, but Brickell Key Park is a favorite that sets itself apart from all the others. This scenic park is located on an island key off the coast of Miami itself, and it is connected by a small bridge that is very easy to access.
Many area runners enjoy the park for its 1.15-mile loop trail and its safe, scenic atmosphere, which offers some peace of mind while running alone. Sensor lights and paved walkways line the perimeter of the park, while the numerous sculptures rival the beautiful views of the nearby Miami skyline. Make your way around the entire island as you get in a great workout outdoors, or simply take a stroll with friends to admire one of the best sunsets in the Miami area.
Whether you’re looking for a great place to run, walk or simply spend the afternoon lounging in the grass, you can do it all at Brickell Key Park.
Brickell Key Park
Claughton Island Drive
Miami, FL 33131
www.yelp.com/biz/brickell-key-park-miami
Clear the Air With These Air-Purifying Houseplants
April 26, 2016 by
You might think that, in order to breathe truly clean air inside, you'll have to invest in an expensive air purification system, but that's not so. There are many houseplants that eradicate airborne toxins, and you can pick them up at any major home improvement store. Here are just four of them.
- English ivy. According to the scientists at NASA, there's no plant better at purifying the air than English ivy. It helps soak up any formaldehyde that could be floating around in your air, and you definitely don't want to be inhaling the stuff. Plus, it's almost impossible to kill them.
- Peace lily. The peace lily may be beautiful, but beauty can be deceiving. Don't fall for its game; this is actually a powerful plant. Harmful chemicals like xylene, ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene will all decrease in your air when a peace lily blooms nearby.
- Red-Edged Dracaena. Named for the strips of bright red that run along the edges of its thin, long leaves, the Red-edged Dracaena is more than just a pretty plant. It also gets rid of xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde when you feed it enough sunlight.
- Golden pothos. If you really want to make a statement with your new houseplant, consider buying a hanging pot for the golden pothos. When positioned properly, its leaves will snake their way down to the floor in beautiful vines.
7 Plants That Purify Indoor Air [Rodale's Organic Life]
This Graphic Shows the Best Air-Cleaning Plants, According to NASA [Lifehacker]
10 Best Houseplants To De-Stress Your Home And Purify The Air [HuffPost Home]
Discover Serene Beaches at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
April 19, 2016 by
Bright, sunny days bring crowds of people to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne. The state park is one of the most well known in the country, specifically for its 1.25 miles of white-sand beaches. Drawing a laid-back crowd of families and sunbathers, Cape Florida is an ideal spot for the low-key beach bum and tourists looking to slow down for the day.
Biking, hiking, and camping are among the many activities available. On warm summer days, many flock to host barbecues at the park’s free picnic areas. Park-goers can also tour the historic lighthouse, which was built in 1825 and is the oldest standing structure in all of Miami-Dade County.
The park is open from 8 a.m. through sundown all year, and daily admission ranges from $2 for pedestrians and cyclists to $8 for cars of 2-8 people. A lesser-known tip: Patrons showing up close to sunset enter for free!
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 South Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-5811
www.floridastateparks.org/park/Cape-Florida
Sip Wine with Venezuelan Cuisine at Cardon y el Tirano
April 12, 2016 by
On your next date night or evening out with friends, head over to Cardon y el Tirano, a popular Venezuelan eatery with ambiance to boot. This Miami favorite features dim, romantic lighting, rich leather and reclaimed wood furnishings and a sleek bar that makes the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a nightcap. If you’re hungry, the menu includes modern takes on Venezuelan favorites, from tostones picanha to skirt steak arepas with avocado and Guyana cheese. There are also tacos that come with your choice of meats and vegetarian ingredients. Many of the dishes are served tapas-style, with small plates that are meant to share amongst the table, but you’ll also find larger entrees if your appetite is a bit larger. The desserts are colorful and full of exotic flavors, and the exceptional wine list is one of the best in town. If you’re looking to experience the very best in Miami dining, Cardon y el Tirano is not to be missed.
Cardon y el Tirano
3411 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 392-1257
www.cardonyeltirano.com
Equal Housing Opportunity