Planning to go to Miami very soon! Well here are few things, you can look out for in Florida in coming days:
WET, WACKY 7 WILD AT JUNGLE ISLAND – South Florida’s favorite landmark attraction just opened its much-anticipated beach oasis and Rainforest Riptide, an unfathomable fun floating obstacle course and water park at Parrot Cove. After a salt-water plunge, guests can have fun with the energetic and wacky hosts of three marvelous animal shows including the popular Winged Wonders, Wild Encounters, and Wild Adventures. Then explore the park and its numerous wildlife from twin orangutans, Australian red kangaroos, Aldabra turtles to big cats, reptiles, colorful parrots, and much more. The totally Wet, Wacky and Wild adventure is available every Saturday and Sunday priced at $34.95 per adult; $26.95 per child. Nominal fee for the Rainforest Riptide. Park hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rainforest Riptide opens at 11 a.m.
MICHY’S RESTAURANT IS REBORN – After closing almost ten months and undergoing a complete renovation, Michy’s, the landmark restaurant from James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein and husband/partner David Martinez, reopened as CENA by Michy in early-May 2015 with a completely new look, new menu concept and new spirit. The acclaimed husband-and-wife culinary power couple closed the restaurant in July 2014, just short of its ten year anniversary. The address is the same but fans will find a new restaurant in CENA by Michy. The menu at CENA (loosely translated from Spanish as “the main meal of the day”) will be approachable yet adventurous, boasting just the right amount of soul-pleasing favorites as well as an array of dishes inspired by Bernstein’s current culinary obsessions. The new menu reflects that neighborhood vibe, but in keeping with Bernstein’s reputation and creativity, often travels into unexpected and exciting directions. Gone are the eclectic, cottage chic décor, and bright colors Michy’s was known for. The restaurant’s design, like the food, is stripped down, rustic yet sophisticated. The restaurant will seat 62 both indoors as well as on the intimate back patio. Joining Bernstein in the kitchen will be chef de cuisine Mikey Mayta, a Michy’s alumnus and Johnson & Wales graduate.
PAMM GROWS COLLECTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS – Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) has announced the acquisition of three new works by African American artists Terry Adkins, Ed Clark, and Leslie Hewitt at the second annual reception for the PAMM Fund for African American Art. The PAMM Fund was initiated with a $1 million grant funded equally by Jorge M. Perez and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to support the growth of the collection of Miami’s flagship museum with works by African American and African Diaspora artists.
THE CAFÉ AT BOOKS & BOOKS GAINING POPULARITY– Housed at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami in the historic Carnival Tower, The Café at Books & Books is booming with patrons and with flavor. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily the café has quickly become a neighborhood fixture, satiating patrons’ hunger for great food, perfectly-crafted cocktails, good reads and an incomparable cultural experience. The café is the brainchild of Mitchell Kaplan and his culinary partner, James Beard Award-winning Chef Allen Susser. Now with four South Florida locations, the café has become more than just a book store. The menu offers fresh, flavorful, and locally-sourced cuisine. Plates include everything from Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes to Artisanal Tartines, Grilled Cauliflower Steak, or Mahi-Mahi Ceviche to name a few.
NEW EXPERIENCES AT THOMPSON MIAMI BEACH – Thompson Miami Beach is now offering an eclectic collection of stellar dining and imbibing experiences. Among its offerings is the 1930s House, an inviting cocktail hideaway that has been quietly wowing locals and visitors alike since opening. Ready to position itself as a premiere destination for creative hand-crafted cocktails and celebrated cuisine, the historic Spanish-inspired lounge has officially launched its full culinary, beverage and entertainment line-up. Thompson Miami Beach has partnered with James Beard Award winning chef Michelle Bernstein to introduce a pop-up of her beloved Spanish tapas restaurant, Sra. Martinez, inside 1930s House. The venue will also offer weekly entertainment featuring guest DJs and live Cuban music. At the pop-up, aficionados can enjoy a delectable menu of small plates inspired by Sra.’s successful run that made the restaurant onto Esquire magazine’s list of “Best Restaurants in America” in 2008. A selection of crudos, carpaccios and ceviches as well as flavor-packed Spinach & Feta Croquetas and Lardo-Wrapped Figs stuffed with goat cheese will be available.
MODERN JAPANESE-INSPIRED RESTAURANT DEBUTS – More than fifteen years of sushi and sashimi making traditions were imported to Miami’s sandy shores when internationally-renowned SOHO Bay recently opened its doors. The long-awaited concept hailing from Brazil features waterfront dining for 200, located on West Avenue in Miami Beach. Executive Chef Ricky Sauri, who brings more than 20 years of experience to the SOHO Bay team, executes the modern Japanese menu. Sauri has worked in a number of the country’s most esteemed restaurants including a decade at the renowned Nobu empires’ locations in Miami Beach, West Hollywood, and the Bahamas, followed by stints at some of Miami’s hot spots including Touch, Bloom, and Khong River House. At SOHO Bay, Sauri’s menu reflects a sophisticated creative take on traditional Japanese cuisine served up in a hip yet unpretentious setting. Designed to be shared, the menu features Small Hot Plates, Soho Specialties, and Soho Rolls. Designed by architects José Gomes and Marlon Gama, the 12,000 square-foot indoor-outdoor waterfront restaurant features sleek modern décor, with stunning design elements throughout. Guests can sip libations at the striking 12-seat back-lit cocktail bar or enjoy an interactive dining experience, complete with omakase and à la carte offerings, at the adjacent sushi bar, both made entirely of white onyx. No matter where guests are seated, one thing is guaranteed – an unobstructed view of the bay and Miami skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows that define the space. For those traveling by sea, a private boating dock is available at SOHO Bay, one of few restaurants in the city to have one. SOHO Bay also hosts DJs spinning sultry beats to welcome the weekend.
MAY IS NATIONAL BURGER MONTH – May marks National Burger Month in the culinary world and many of Miami’s hottest restaurants are offering a unique lineup of expertly crafted specialty burgers to tempt your taste buds. Several of the restaurants offering delicious options include Devon Seafood + Steak at Town & Country, BLT Prime at the iconic Trump National Doral, Meat Market on Lincoln Road and many more. A few options you might find on these menus include a bison patty loaded with roasted hatch Anaheim chilies, a grilled salmon burger with avocado, apple and pickled red onions or a classic Black Angus burger with melted sharp cheddar cheese. And to share more burger love, the Magic City Casino hosted a Burger Brawl on May 15th with 20 competitors providing juicy burger samples as well as desserts and drinks.