Food – Flair Miami

By Vannia Enriquez December 14, 2015 in All, Food, News

SOUTH BEACH FOOD TOUR

When I think of Chicago, I think deep dish pizza. Texas = A delicious BBQ and smoked brisket. NYC = Cronut and a hot dog. But when it comes to Miami, I can’t seem to pin point it to just one food… Can you? There are so many culinary options that it seems kind of unfair to pick one or even two foods to describe us.

I guess we could always go with a cafecito and croqueta, but Miami food is just as diverse and multi-cultural as its people. Depending on what neighborhood you find yourself in, chances are you’ll most likely have plenty of options to satisfy your palate.

And last month Miami Culinary Tours proved our point by allowing Miguel and I to experience a unique and memorable culinary experience around our very own neighborhood, South Beach.

Here are some of the places we discovered:

1. Bolivar Restaurant
This stylish lounge offers a Colombian/Peruvian/Venezuelan fusion perfect for all occasions. Chef Jairo Hurtado, owner of La Ventana decided to take things up a notch and serve a blend of flavors. Here we had the classic Colombian empanada and a side of perfectly fresh ceviche. If you’ve never had ceviche, I stongly suggest you give it a go! Ceviche is a fresh raw fish cooked in citrus juices and spiced with ají. The dish was paired with refajo, a popular Colombian cocktail made with beer and Colombiana (a Colombian soda). A light and refreshing start!

2. Larios On The Beach
We continued the tour with some additional comfort food, our next stop was a taste of Cuban cuisine at no other than Larios. (Not to be confused with Casa Larios.) Larios On The Beach is a go-to-destination for authentic award-winning Cuban cuisine. The restaurant is owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan and the food and beach-themed decor did not disappoint. I am usually pretty skeptical of overly-touristy places, but I was definitely impressed with both the food and ambiance. I devoured the classic ropa vieja that was paired with perfectly crispy mariquitas. The meat offered a delicious blend of tenderness and it was season with delectable spices and green peppers.
3. The Tides Restaurant
This deco-style restaurant featured an international eclectic blend of flavors. The chef served a delightful chicken curry over a bed of couscous. Unfortunately, this specific dish was made just for the tour and is not normally on the menu. But if you want to give it a try, be sure to join the next tour! The sauce was rich and savory, you could almost taste the blend spices with just the smell.

Our part of the tour came to an end here. (Miguel and I had to run to another commitment.) But the tour continued without us and after all was said and done, they stopped at 5 different locations! The other indulgences included a veggie wrap at Blocks Pizza Deli and gelato at Milani Gelateria.

Experiencing the culture, history, and hidden culinary delights of South Beach was such a treat! We enjoyed meeting other like-minded individuals who share a love for great culinary experiences and the Art Deco district.

The South Beach food tour definitely leaves you feeling like an insider. You’re guaranteed a satisfied belly and a deeper love and understanding of Miami. Want to give it a try? Save $20 off the next experience, use the code GIFTLOVE. Enjoy!

By Vannia Enriquez October 26, 2015 in All, Food, News

CHIA PUDDING RECIPE

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day… Well, I almost always skip it. Unless I’ve planned ahead and made my favorite chia pudding recipe.

As much as I love a good hearty brunch (especially on Sunday mornings) I loathe making breakfast during the week. I will gladly cook an elaborate lunch or dinner, but breakfast? Meh. Let’s just say I am not a morning person and precious sleep trumps all hunger.

That’s why on-the-go easy breakfast options like overnight raw-oatmeals and chia puddings are my go-to staples. Chia seeds have been around for centuries and I love their tapioca-like texture. They support a healthy digestive system and offer a great source of protein, antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids.

To make my chia pudding I normally use regular organic chia seeds, but this time I wanted to change things up a bit and I tried kunachia’s chia+probiotics food blend – which combines a prebiotic with a probiotic.

The pudding came out a little less thicker than usual but it was full of extra goodness. You can try the recipe with either regular seeds or with the blended option, either way it will give you a natural energy boost to start your day. Just what I need!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Yields: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

2 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons of 100% pure organic maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup Kunachia chia seeds or chia + probiotic blend
1 pint strawberries, rinsed, hulled and chopped
1 pint blueberries, rinsed
1 pint raspberries, rinsed
1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

In a medium bowl, gently whisk the almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla and blend until the mixture is perfectly distributed and slightly thickened.

2. Slowly whisk-in the chia seeds and distribute evenly.
3. Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes.

4. After mixture has settled, mix the pudding with a spoon to evenly distribute the seeds.

5. At this point, you may spoon-in the mixture into mason jars or bowls, for serving. (FYI -I usually let the mixture sit overnight. This allows the seeds to settle and all the flavors to fully blend. But after 30 minutes it is technically ready for serving.)

6. Top with berries, almonds or honey if desired.

7. Enjoy! (To mix things up during the week, play with your toppings. I rotate between granola, dark chocolate chips, or shredded coconut. And of course, any and all fruits — the options are endless!)

8. If you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Best if consumed between 2-3 days.

By Vannia Enriquez August 28, 2015 in All, Food, News

NO-BAKE STRAWBERRY MOUSSE PIE

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a recipe. I think the last one I shared was eons ago, probably my No Bake Energy Bites?

Well, since I’ve been trying to savor the last days of summer — I got inspired to share an oldie but a goodie childhood favorite, I call it the No-bake Strawberry Mousse Pie. My sister and I used to make it all the time growing up, I’m pretty sure it was a Kraft recipe we found in the lid of a Cool Whip, but we’ve adapted it some for ourselves.

It’s my kind of dessert, lite and slightly tart. Hope you like it!

Prep time: 10 Min
Yields: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

1 pkg. (3 oz.) Strawberry Flavored Jell-o
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water or 1 cup of ice
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Whip
1 ready-to-use Graham Cracker pie crust (6 oz.)
3 cups fresh strawberries

Directions:
1. Place water to boil.
2. Slice strawberries and set aside for later use.
3. Make Jell-o mix according to instructions on the box; be sure to stir mixture until it is completely dissolved.
4. Add ice or cold water to gelatin; stir until slightly thickened. (Instead of using one cup of cold water, you can also use one cup of ice to speed up the thickening of the mixture.)
5. Whisk in Cool Whip to make a pink mixture. Fold-in 2 cups chopped berries. Set aside remaining strawberries for pie toppings.
6. Refrigerate 45 minutes until mixture has thickened. (I’ve sometimes skipped this step altogether and place the mixture directly onto the pie.)
7. Spoon mix into crust.
8. To let the mixture thicken and mound well, refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
9. Top with sliced berries just before serving.
10. Enjoy!

By Vannia Enriquez June 29, 2015 in All, Food, News

WYNWOOD FOOD TOUR

If you happen to be visiting Miami, the Wynwood Food Tour is a must! Wynwood has easily turned into one of Miami’s trendiest neighborhoods. It is home to about 70+ art galleries and over 100 restaurants that exhibit the eclectic taste of our culture. A few weeks back, the hubby and I had the privilege of spending a Saturday afternoon walking the streets of this vibrant neighborhood with Miami Culinary Tours.

The lovely Mirka, (a fellow Miami-Beach local) was our guide and she curated a wonderful Wynwood food tour where she joyously introduced the neighborhood’s art, cuisine and culture. Her cheerful spirit and historical Miami-knowledge was a breath of fresh air. The Miami weather however, eh not so fresh! It was as hot as can be, but the food and drinks made it all worthwhile. ;)

As any loyal foodie would, I ate anything and everything that was placed before me. We made several stops along the way, and I even managed to saved room for dessert. The total tour time was about 2.5 hours, we visited about 6 different restaurants and had way more than a full lunch…

Our culinary Wynwood food tour advventure went as follows:

Wynwood Walls Wynwood Doors – This was our meeting spot, here we learned about the street art and got some 411 about local, national, and international artists.
Wynwood Kitchen & Bar – Our first stop was this well-known hip restaurant offering a tapa-style menu. Chef Miguel Aguilar sent us some ropa vieja empanadas, tequenos & sweet plantains — these were paired with a local cold brew. The perfect starter!
R House Restaurant & Gallery – Then we headed to this unique restaurant/art gallery serving an eclectic mix of American, Mediterranean, Latin and Asian cuisines. Here, we had a brisket hoagie roll that was paired with a perfect bite of zesty corn.
Made In Italy Gourmet – After a few bites, we made a pit stop at this rustic and quaint Italian gourmet market, it was a small flashback of Sienna. We sampled some fresh bread and stinky cheese? ( I forgot the name of it, I wasn’t a big fan.) But the place was adorable! Next time, I’d go back and try an actual meal.
Jimmy’z Kitchen – Oh Jimmy! My mouth waters at the thought of this delectable Puerto Rican-style mofongo ( fried-mashed plantains) & chicken. This hit the spot!
Suviche – After almost suffering from a food comma, we stopped by Suviche and sipped on a pisco sour. Though Jimmy may have been my favorite meal, Suviche definitely took the cake for best ambiance.
Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop – Last but not least, we ended the food tour with the world famous key lime pie — made by an all time favorite local Derek, a City of Miami firefighter, fighting fires by day and baking by night.

My favorite part? Need you ask? The killer mofongo from Jimmy’z Kitchen and learning about the different graffiti artists featured on the Wynwood Walls and Wynwood Doors.

Whether you’re a Miami local or just popping by to check out the city, I highly recommend you check out any of their food tours. Miami Culinary Tours also offers tours around South Beach and Little Havana. Next on our list, we may just check out South Beach Food Tour. What about you?

By Vannia Enriquez April 20, 2015 in All, Food, News

RESTAURANT REVIEW: MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE

I have a confession to make, in the last 3 weeks I have probably consumed an entire (large) cow all by myself… No seriously, for someone who doesn’t eat red meat all that often, this month, I’ve had my fair share of beef experiences.

You name it, I ate it: Prime rib, churrasco, filet mignon, NY strip, top sirloin… I may have even had a few lamb chops and veal shanks, here and there.

Don’t worry, I didn’t eat all of this in one sitting. Some meals were from local restaurants, others while I was out of town, and some were home cooked meals.

However, one experience in particular left me wanting more. The surf and turf at Morton’s The Steakhouse.

Last Saturday, Giselle and I after a Flair meeting in the North Miami Beach/Aventura area, we decided to take a breather and have a nice lunch. We stopped by Morton’s and we were actually surprised that they were open for lunch.

Apparently, Morton’s in N. Miami Beach is now regularly open during lunch hours. (Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30am – 3pm.) And for only $29.50 you have the option of ordering from their Three Course Prime Lunch Selections, including pairing options like lobster bisque, prime sirloin, and many more — pretty great deal, no?

We were starving and the wide variety of items on the menu it made it hard for us to make a decision – so many delicious options!

I must say, I was even tempted to order a burger. After all, that’s how Morton’s got started, founder Arnie Morton, was known for his “million-dollar hamburger.”

Needless to say, I ditched the burger idea and went for some filet instead… It is called Morton’s THE Steakhouse, so of course, I went all in and ordered surf and turf!

From beginning to end, our experience was completely fabulous! In fact, I was so excited to get my hands on my entree, that I forgot to take a picture of it.

I got a shot of my deliciously fresh ahi tuna appetizer.

But as soon as they set down my plate, like an overly-enthused cave woman, I chomped away at the perfectly cooked medium-rare filet mignon. Only to then realize, I had forgotten to take a picture of the main dish. (Whoops! Good thing Morton’s had one to share with us.)

The perfect meal was topped-off with their legendary and perfectly-warm chocolate cake. It was superb!

Great service paired with great food, made for a delightful lunch experience.

The staff was extremely hospitable. Food was superb and the chic restaurant updates made us feel like we were in a fancy VIP lounge.

I will definitely be coming back. Decades later, it is definitely a tried and true favorite. I may even consider bringing mom here for Mother’s Day.

By Vannia Enriquez February 9, 2015 in All, Food, News

CALLING ALL FOODIES

Calling all foodies… Do you consider yourself a foodie?

According to wikipedia, “a foodie is a person who has an ardent or refined interest in food.” Foodies not only eat for nourishment, but rather they seek the thrill of an experience in a meal. Ahh yes, the pleasure of a delightful meal…

Lucky for you, Miami is the place to be and February is just the right time. This month, it is all about mouth-watering flavors, festive music and just the right amount of Miami flair!

Get your calendar, and get ready to save the date.

Saturday, Feb, 21 is the 2nd annual Eats & Beats festival. If you’re looking for an event “by locals, and for locals” this is the place for you… Get ready for some amazing food without the overly “fancy shmancy ” red velvet rope feel. Eats N Beats is focused on food and fun. It will surely satisfy your cravings with delightful tastings, fun libations and the best desserts our city has to offer. Event coordinators say “the goal was to create an event that will not only satisfy the palate but also stimulate all of the senses.” The event will showcase some our city’s top culinary and musical artistry. And don’t forget those beats – as local DJ’s set the scene with fun jams by some of Miami’s best bands and DJ’s. Tickets are going fast, register today.
The fun doesn’t end there… Sunday, Feb. 22 the sandy beaches of Miami Beach transform into the biggest food festival in town. The Miami Beach International Foodie Festival offers tastings from all over the world and great entertainment for all, even the little ones. The event will include music, live comedy, even bounce houses and hot rods — there is definitely something for everyone. What can you expect? Food, food and more food! After all, it is called a foodie fest. Come hungry and ready to taste goodies from top chefs. Bring the kiddos and get ready to delight your taste buds. You can purchase tickets today, general admission is $40 and VIP tickets are $100.
Oh, did we forget to mention Flair Miami is giving away tickets to our favorite foodies? Comment below and tell us what makes you a “foodie”.

Don’t miss your chance to join the fun and delight in some of the best dishes and libations our city has to offer. Register below for a chance to win. See you soon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

By Vannia Enriquez March 21, 2014 in All, Fun, News

WYNWOOD LIFE

Not long ago, Wynwood Life was just a blog that celebrated life in the Wynwood neighborhood… But now, the site has organically evolved into a festival that’s poised to raise the bar on all things Miami –art, music, fashion and food!

Wynwood Life will take place in Miami’s hip Wynwood district on 6^th Avenue, between 22^nd and 24^th Street and will run from April 25^th-27^th. The idea behind this festival stemmed from the need to highlight local artists, craftsmen and designers. Organizers are expecting over 20,000 people during this three-day event.

Top area vendors and artists, have signed up to be a part of it. Even musicians, local bands and DJ’s will be performing from two stages, including the top of this Trek6, boom box-painted building that overlooks I-95.

Think next-level Art Walk, offering local pop-up restaurants, bars, live music, art, and more. As far as fashion, throughout the day several vendors will showcase local designs modeled and styled by a few of your favorite bloggers. And yup, you guessed it your Flair Miami girls will be there to model and style a few looks.

This is an event you don’t want to miss, tickets start as low as $15 and can be purchased online at www.wynwoodlife.com. Use the promotion code FLAIRMIA at checkout and you’ll receive a 50% discount! Hope to see you there!

Image Credit: Stephanie Rogers

By Giselle Valenzano September 23, 2013 in All, Food, News

SAVE THE DAY SUPER FOODS

Ever wonder what super foods you should incorporate into your daily diet? It’s easier than you may think, and who knows, you probably have a few of these things hiding in your refrigerator or kitchen pantry.

So, I’ve made it even easier for you and came up with a list of five of my favorite super foods and their benefits!

1. Eggs
Whether they’re scrambled, sunny side up, hard boiled, or poached, throwing an egg into your daily diet is actually a good idea.

Eggs are a high source of protein and are a great option to keep you energized through out the day. Egg yolks contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, that reduce the risk for age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50.

2. Berries
This one may actually be a three-in-one. Who doesn’t love berries? Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries each contain different antioxidants and vitamins that are important for your health, and all three of them contain fiber which is good for your digestion.

While raspberries contain ellagic acid – which helps prevent cancer, blueberries contain many antioxidants that help with memory sharpness and weight loss. And let’s not forget about my favorite…strawberries! Strawberries not only act as an anti-inflamitory in the same way that Aspirin and Ibuprofen do, but a couple of strawberries a day actually contain a full-day’s dose of skin firming Vitamin C.

Who knew? So add some color and sweetness to your diet by aiming for a half to a full cup of berries a day. ;)

3. Nuts
Walnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds…the list can go on and on. Not only is this a perfect snack but its health benefits are some of the best. Studies have shown that those who include nuts in their daily diet live, on average, an extra two years.

Many nuts also contain alpha-linolenic acid which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to heart health.

4. Avocado
Did you know avocados contain high amounts of potassium, magnesium, folate, protein, and vitamins B6, E, and K. Holy Guacamole! :)

Get all the nutrients you need by eating a quarter to a half of an avocado a day.

5. Green Tea
I have to admit, I am a tea lover, and when I did a little research on green tea I was pleased with what I found!

Not only does green tea hydrate the same way that water does, but it is also known to fight cancer, heart disease, and help prevent dementia, diabetes, and stroke. I don’t know about you, but I think this super drink may be a life saver! Enjoy a cup of green tea any time of the day for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

So there you have it, five of my favorite super foods. Which one is your favorite? Any super foods you’d like to share? Comment below!

By Giselle Valenzano August 19, 2013 in All, Food

TRADER JOE’S TAKES MIAMI

If you haven’t already heard, Trader Joe’s will finally open a Miami location! Opening up in the heart of Pinecrest, the specialty grocery store will be the fourth location in Florida but the first Trader Joe location in Miami Dade County.

Known as “your neighborhood grocery store”, Trader Joe’s offers all kinds of environmentally friendly products and gourmet, organic, and vegetarian foods at an affordable price. However, you won’t find a lot of branded items at Trader Joe’s, and that’s what makes them different from your every day grocery store. Instead, you’ll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe’s label as well as everyday basics.

Want to know more about the Trader Joe brand? They promise that their products contain:

NO artificial flavors or preservatives
NO synthetic colors
NO MSG
NO genetically modified ingredients
NO partially hydrogenated oils (artificial trans-fats)
NO “marketing” costs
YES tasting panel approval
YES quality ingredients
YES great price

I’m sold! The South Miami store is set to open on October 18th and will be located on the 9200 block of South Dixie Highway, where the old Borders bookstore used to be. Interested in working at Trader Joe’s? They are accepting applications in person and will begin hiring September 9th!

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited for the opening of Trader Joe’s, South Miami! So long, Whole Foods, hello, Joes!

PS: I also came across some delicious recipes on the Trader Joe’s website. Check them out! ;)

By Sabrina Restrepo July 1, 2013 in All, Food

TAP TAP HAITIAN RESTAURANT

I don’t know how many times I have driven past Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant on South Beach and 5th Street and thought to myself “I should check it out someday.” After living on the beach for a month, I finally stopped thinking about going and actually went! Now, here’s my attempt to convince you to do the same… It’s delicious!

Tap Tap is a South Beach hidden gem, raved about by all the locals as one of the best Haitian cuisines in town. Here you can expect Haitian flair to come alive as the colors of the murals, decor and vibrant people immerse you in their tropical culture.

Seated in one of their variously themed rooms, I enjoyed my complimentary appetizer of fresh bread with a selection of mild to spicy sauces. The foods listed on the menu are authentic and delicious, but if there is something you don’t recognize, it’s in your best interest to keep an open mind. I had the Cabrit or goat stew, which was a first for me, but so worth it! Another tasty dish I would recommend is the Griot plate, a win for any beef lover. But, if there is one thing that you cannot leave this place without having it’s one of their killer Mojitos. Awarded “Best Mojito” by The New Times, their combination of fresh mint leaves, rum and lime juice is for lack of a better word, perfection.

So, now that the secret is out, how could you not try the best mojitos in town? Maybe next time you’re in the area, you too can stop by and explore this new flavorful experience!