Talavera: Artistic Mexican Food in Coral Gables

Take a trip to Mexico at Talavera. Located where Ponce de Leon Boulevard meets Alhambra Plaza, Talavera is a casual spot for spot-on Mexican cuisine. Talavera is beautiful Mexican pottery, and that artistic theme is translated in the open dining area. You’ll like the authentic ambiance, especially the Mexican art on the walls and even the beautiful plates on the tables. The outdoor dining area is also nice. It’s like you’ve landed into a cool cantina! Start your experience with a signature cocktail from the bar for lunch, dinner or happy hour, and move on to a menu that features every type of Mexican food from street fare to fancy platters. And everything is made from the freshest ingredients, to order.

Talavera
2299 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 444-2955
http://www.yelp.com/biz/talavera-cocina-mexicana-coral-gables

Don’t Skip the Signature Burger at DB Bistro Moderne

Located within the posh JW Marriott Marquis hotel in downtown Miami, DB Bistro Moderne serves contemporary French fare under the watchful eye of Daniel Boulud, a James Beard Foundation award-winning chef.

We could go on and on about the restaurant's sleek, modern decor — Miami's take on a traditional Parisian bistro — but instead, we'll cut right to the chase and tell you what to order: the Original DB Burger. Because even though the menu at this upscale restaurant centers around French cuisine, it's the eatery's signature cheeseburger that has tongues wagging. Nestled within a parmesan bun, a sirloin and braised short rib patty reveals a decadent surprise at its core: a mouthful of foie gras. Diners say it's not merely a burger; it's an experience.

The Original DB Burger is served at DB Bistro Moderne during lunch and dinner. Follow it with another creation signature to the restaurant: the crunchy chocolate bar.

DB Bistro Moderne
JW Marriott Marquis
255 Biscayne Boulevard Way
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 421-8800
www.dbbistro.com/miami
www.yelp.com/biz/db-bistro-moderne-miami-2

Have You Ever Tried an Aerial Yoga Class at Trio Yoga Studio?

There's no shortage of yoga studios in Miami, but Trio stands apart from the rest. The reason? Its roster of instructors, who, according to countless reviews on Yelp, help foster a warm, welcoming vibe within this independently owned studio. In fact, in the lives of many of Trio's regular clientele, the studio serves more as a community hub than a simple gym; this is where yogis come to socialize, network, and take part in special healing workshops.

Of course, yoga is the focus here, and Trio offers classes in the vinyasa flow and hatha styles of yoga. For the yogi seeking something a little new and different, Trio also hosts classes in AcroYoga and aerial yoga. If you'd just like to dip your toes in the water, you can purchase an introductory package, and explore the classes at a discounted rate.

But no matter which class piques your interest, the ultimate goal of Trio remains the same: to promote both physical and mental well-being in all who walk through its doors.

Trio – Mind Body Spirit Studio
2330 NE 2 Ave.
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 573-184
www.trioyoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/trio-mind-body-spirit-studio-miami

Happy Spring!

Everything is starting to bud and bloom! What are you doing to enjoy this lovely change in weather?

Unplug and Unwind at These National Parks in South Florida

Everything is more fun in the sun, which makes these two national parks in Florida excellent travel destinations. One of them comprises seven small islands far off the coast, while the other protects a delicate ecosystem and provides a variety of leisurely activities.

Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park lies approximately 70 miles off the coast of Key West. It consists of seven small islands and the clear blue waters surrounding them. The park's main attraction is Fort Jefferson, which is the largest masonry structure in the Americas. Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat and plane, but offers a wide variety of activities like camping, canoeing, and guided tours. You can also take guided fishing or snorkeling trips from one of the local vendors.

Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the third largest National Park in the contiguous United States. It is located in southern Florida and was the first national park to protect an ecosystem, rather than to preserve geographic features. Guests can look for some of the endangered wildlife like alligators and Florida panthers while on an airboat tour, or take part in traditional activities like camping, fishing, and hiking.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Get Lost in the Architecture of This Landmark Estate

Millionaire James Deering commissioned the construction of Vizcaya during the early part of the 20th century. Originally situated upon 180 luxuriant acres abutting Biscayne Bay, the estate was Deering's interpretation of an Italian villa in a subtropical setting; it was where the bachelor spent his winters until his death in 1925.

Nowadays, Vizcaya serves as a public museum and botanical gardens, attracting countless visitors eager to tour the estate's ornate, Mediterranean-inspired architecture and stunning formal gardens. Vizcaya's innovative design explores the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, and every room within the meticulously preserved estate was designed around artwork and mementos acquired by Deering during his travels abroad.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m daily, except Tuesdays. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
vizcaya.org
www.yelp.com/biz/vizcaya-museum-and-gardens-miami-2

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

May the luck of the Irish be with you! How will you be celebrating today?

Zuma: Don’t Miss the Japanese-Style Brunch at This Chic Miami Eatery

Zuma gives new meaning to "dinner with a view." Not only is the food (contemporary Japanese) presented artfully on the plate, Zuma's position overlooking the Biscayne Bay promises an eyeful of luxury yachts gliding through the bay's emerald waters.

So whether you're arriving for the food or the people-watching, this upscale eatery in Miami's Epic Hotel probably won't disappoint — unless you forget to make a reservation, that is. Tables at Zuma are booked months in advance, especially for the restaurant's Sunday brunch. This all-you-can-eat affair transforms Zuma's dining room into a smorgasbord of Asian cuisine. Expect seafood-centric dishes, a selection of sushi and sashimi, robata-style plates, and, for dessert, a sculptural presentation of sorbet, tropical fruits, and sweets signature to the restaurant.

Zuma
Epic Hotel
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 577-0277
zumarestaurant.com/zuma-landing/miami/en/welcome
www.yelp.com/biz/zuma-miami-2

Hillstone: Classic & Casual Coral Gables Dining

A classic dining experience is as close as Hillstone. Located on the Miracle Mile at Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Hillstone is a steakhouse that has more than just steak. But when you come in, you’ll get that steakhouse feel right away! The décor is classic, with wood everywhere, industrial ceilings and a great bar.

Whether you come for lunch, dinner or even just to the bar for drinks with friends, you’ll find that the service is always top-notch. And the food is just as classic, with starters and sushi that perfect to share, and delicious burgers, sandwiches and entrees. Try the New York strip or the Prime Rib – it’s done right here! So are the desserts, especially the Key Lime Pie.

Hillstone
201 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 529-0141
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hillstone-coral-gables-2

Flavor Meets Nutrition in These Easy Kale Recipes

Heralded for its nutritional benefits, kale is a having a moment in the culinary world. However, this dark, leafy green requires a little finesse and experience to cook correctly. Here are three recipes to help you get the most out of that fresh bunch of kale:

Whole-Grain Spaghetti With Garlicky Kale and Tomatoes [Real Simple]
Whole grain spaghetti provides a fiber-rich foundation for this weeknight-friendly recipe. Roasted almonds add a little crunch to contrast the tender texture of the kale leaves, which are sauteed in garlic and oil. We suggest adding a handful of white beans to add a little more protein to the dish.

Sauteed Kale [Food Network]
Never cooked kale before? Let this recipe from Food Network star Bobby Flay show you the way. One bunch of kale is sauteed in olive oil and garlic over medium-high heat, then allowed to simmer in a little bit of vegetable stock for optimal flavor.

Chicken and Kale Casserole [Martha Stewart]
A hearty casserole perfect for cooler month, this recipe only takes a little over an hour, start to finish. Shredded chicken is mixed with ricotta cheese and lemon zest, then combined with pasta shells and chopped kale in a casserole dish. Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top, becoming golden-brown in the oven.

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