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May 21, 2013

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Rogelio Reyna showcases Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Collection in South Florida

June 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The W Hotel Fort Lauderdale hosted a special Bobbi Brown Showcase on Thursday, June 7th, 2012 to a room full of excited ladies from all over South Florida. Global Artist Rogelio Reyna worked the room with his electric personality as he introduced Bobbi’s Long-wear Collection.

Guests were treated to check-out the latest products while learning tips and tricks from talented make-up artists by Ted Gibson Salon. Bliss Spa was also on-hand giving delicious hand rub downs. I swear, the line at the Bliss table was enormous!

Vivian Calvo, Rosy Cordero, Rogelio Reyna, Adriana Castro

And even though we are only in summer, Rogelio gave us a sneak peek at Bobbi Brown’s gorgeous fall collection. And while I have been forbidden from writing about it just yet, I can assure you that you will LOVE it!

Think turquoise, that’s all I’m gonna say. ;)

Mishelle, Vicky, Ninalicia, Rosy

You can purchase products from Bobbi Brown’s Longwear Collection via their website here.


Photo Cred: Photogenpix
Filed Under: Beauty, Miami Tagged With: ,

The DiLido Beach Club serves up fresh seafood by the sea on South Beach

June 8, 2012 by 1 Comment

With summer upon us, restaurants are jazzing up their menus across South Beach! I had heard about the delicious options available at The DiLido Beach Club located at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach (1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL) for quite some time so I was elated when I was invited to sample from their inviting menu.

I will preface this review by saying how much I LOVE seafood! It must come from my being half Peruvian, but I could live off of various fish and seafood dishes happily for the rest of my life.

Their menu offers raw options, small plates, salads, and ‘Land & Sea’ options that can be enjoyed alone or with any size group. Seating is set-up facing the beach so you definitely enjoy quite a view while enjoying your lunch.

To begin, we sampled their Local Grouper & Grilled Shrimp Ceviche which features avocado, roasted butternut squash, cilantro, and crispy corn. I’m a big connoisseur of ceviche and this version definitely is a favorite! From all the appetizers, this one was my favorite and could have easily enjoyed the portion as a stand-alone meal but sharing it allowed me to taste other dishes!

The butternut squash and crispy corn kernels are reminiscent to that of traditional Peruvian ceviche.

Local Grouper & Grilled Shrimp Ceviche

Since I don’t eat much sushi, I’ve not sampled much tuna so I’m glad the Yellowfin Tuna Tiradito & Queen Conch was recommended. The combination of the Yellowfin Tun and the Queen Conch was scrumptious!

Yellowfin Tuna Tiradito & Queen Conch

Almost every restaurant I’ve been to as of late features calamari as an appetizer but I can assure you, the DiLido’s Calamari a la Plancha is like nothing you have ever had before! The main difference between their calamari and what you’ve sampled before is that its not deep fried.

What it does have are baby artichokes, potatoes, roasted garlic aioli, and “piccata vinaigrette.” This was a very close second best after the ceviche.

Calamari a la Plancha

I was pretty full at this point because I couldn’t stop nibbling the appetizers! For my main dish, I ordered their Surf N’ Turf Wrap. Inside the wrap you will find Churrasco, grilled shrimp, guacamole, lettuce, cotija cheese, and black beans. On the side they serve plenty of nacho chips and a DELICIOUS salsa.

I will be honest, I did not finish my wrap while I was there because I was honestly too full! But last night I was at an event and when I got home, it was waiting for me!!

It was even nicer when I could really sit down to enjoy it.

Surf N’ Turf Wrap

Making a special appearance in some of the photos are the various sangrias I enjoyed! I tried the Peach Mango Sangria (pinot noir, brandy, lime, orange liquor), Watermelon Strawberry Sangria (sparkling rosé, orange, blossom, rose water, citrus) and the Star Fruit Sangria (sparkling wine, brandy, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry).

These are the perfect accompaniment to any of these dishes and very welcoming on a hot summer day dishes.

The DiLido Beach Club will also feature the following all season long:

FAR EAST SUMMER NIGHTS

Celebrate hot summer nights in a cool, chic ambiance by heading FAR EAST to the oceanfront DiLido Beach Club, 5-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Enjoy Japanese delicacies straight from the Robata Grill including ponzu raddichio, skirt, portabello mushrooms and chicken wings, starting at $6. Sip on Asian-inspired cocktails ($12 each/$35 a carafe) listening to a deejay spin lounge music, enjoying the ocean breeze at this people-watching playground at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

D.B.C (Down-home. Beachfront. Crab boil)

Southern charm meets South Beach chic for a Sunday, Oceanside escape at DiLido Beach Club. Gather with friends and family from 4-7 p.m. every Sunday for a relaxed afternoon of people-watching and indulging in ocean views, live music and traditional Southern food with all the fixins’. Enjoy an unlimited display of whole blue crab, succulent shrimp, red bliss potatoes and flavorful sausage for $39 with $10 Southern Comfort Tea Cocktails and $5 Blue Moon Beers. Create a new week-end ritual with all the comforts and beauty of home.

Make sure you stop by and enjoy dishes by Chef de Cuisine Andrew Balick and his talented staff all summer long! To view their full menu, click here and don’t forget to follow them via FB via this link.

Filed Under: Miami

Gabrielle Union and Neon Hitch celebrate Hotel Noir with Grey Goose

June 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Who knows how to throw an amazing party? Grey Goose does! And you guys know I go to SO many that I can safely say their Hotel Noir Bash on Wednesday, June 6th, 2012 was off the chain! With Gabrielle Union, who rocked a mustard-colored Rag & Bone dress, served as host for the evening alongside special guest Neon Hitch at the FDR at Delano.

Not only was Gabrielle stunning and as sweet-as-can-be, but she happily supported boyfriend Dwyane Wade and his Miami Heat who just so happened to win last night!

Hotel Noir is an experiential event set up to bring to life the bold, rich and sensual new flavor from GREY GOOSE Vodka – Cherry Noir. Grey Goose Brand Master was on hand to recommend only the best cocktails to Miami elite and celebrities alike including, Travis McCoy, DJ Irie, Fabian & Martina Basabe, FOX 7’s Belkys Nerey, John Lin, Jeff Morr, Yaniv Cohen, Jason Clarke, Jillian Jacobson, and Tracey Mourning who danced the night away to sets by DJ Kiss and DJ M.O.S.

Love Birds Travie McCoy and Neon Hitch

Here are the three drinks that were featured at the party and what you need to re-create them at home. My personal favorite was the “Wise Old Sage” but please feel free to sample all three and pick which one you like the most!

Sling Noir
Grey Goose Cherry Noir
Soda
Grenadine
Fresh Lemon Juice
Dash of Bitters
Garnish with Black Cherry

Wise Old Sage
Grey Goose Cherry Noir
St Germain Elderflour
Fresh Lemon Juice
Cucumber
Simple syrup
Garnished with Sage Leaves

La Playa
Grey Goose Cherry Noir
Allspice Dram
Fresh Pineapple Juice
Lemon Juice
Simple syrup
Dash of Bitters

For more recipes and/or information on Grey Goose and their latest products, click here.


Photo Cred: Above story: Getty Images
Gallery: World Red Eye for Grey Goose

Filed Under: Miami Tagged With: , ,

La Côte at the Fontainebleau takes oceanside dining to a whole other level!

May 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a place where the food, service and location will exceed your expectations? La Côte at the Fontainebleau is the spot where you can enjoy delectable French Mediterranean cuisine with sweeping views of beautiful South Beach.

All the photos in this post were taken by me during lunch last week and my only wish is that I could somehow share the delicious flavors of each dish with you virtually. But since I can’t, I want all you Miami folks out there (and those of you planning a trip to our sunny oasis) to pay a visit to La Côte and Chef de Cuisine Christina Coupet who will ensure you have an amazing dining experience.

Chef Christina picked a variety of her best lunch options for me to sample and each one was better than the next. We started off with the Hamachi Ceviche (photo above left) that was flavored with lemon and coriander oil. After growing up in a Peruvian household, I feel I can call myself an expert on ceviche and this one was delish!

Following up next we tried the Seared Haloumi Cheese Dish which had cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and an oregano lemon vinaigrette. If you are a fan of cheese, I highly recommend this item. The dressing was also so good I was hoping a bottle of it would be available for sale so I could have it more often but alas I will happily just have to go to La Cote more often!

Seared Haloumi Cheese

Their Tomato Salad wasn’t far behind and was sprinkled with fried feta, basil and a side of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. This dish was also very good but I think after having so many tomatoes with my Haloumi Cheese plate that I was wasn’t prepared for more.

This would be the perfect dish however if someone is looking to enjoy a light healthy lunch on its own.

The salad was followed by the Vegetable Pissaladiere (Photo, top right) which was grilled flatbread with caramelized onions, goat cheese, olives, roasted tomatoes and mixed greens. This is the perfect example of a dish I would have never picked out for myself but totally took me by surprise!

The star of the Pissaladiere is really the goat cheese which gives you a punch of flavor just as you take a bite.

Our final dish of the afternoon was the Seared Scallops with snap peas and crispy shallots. Did someone tell Chef Christina scallops are my favorite??!! Yeah this dish definitely a highligh and I know you will enjoy it just as much if you are a fan of seafood.

Seared Scallops

Throughout lunch, I sampled two varieties of their sangria– the Sancerre & Pear White Sangria and the Côte de Provence Rosé Sangria. I don’t want to pick a favorite because they are each SO different but I did prefer the Rosé version.

There was no way Chef Christina would let us get away without sampling a bit of dessert no matter how full we said we were! So she sent over a Quatro Leches– a coconut biscuit topped with salted caramel ice cream.

Quatro Leches

It goes without saying but I didn’t have dinner that night. I was so full and happy!! :)

La Côte is located poolside next to the Ocean Lawn and is open for lunch & early dinner fom 11 AM – 6 PM daily and dinner from 6 PM – 9 PM Thursday – Saturday. If you want to experience the stunning view of the ocean, make sure you request a seat upstairs.

For more information, click here for their website or call (305) 674 – 4710 for a reservation.

*Disclosure: I was treated to lunch at La Côte for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Miami Tagged With:

Kelly Bensimon rocks Miami! Enter to win an autographed copy of “I Can Make You HOT!”

May 7, 2012 by 3 Comments

Whoever said you can’t party on a Sunday night, has never been to Miami! Kelly Bensimon, former star of the Real Housewives of New York City was in town to celebrate her book launch last night at Baoli Miami and the party was hoppin’!

The celebrity hotspot played some bangin’ tunes while guests sipped on cocktails provided by Hynotiq. All three options available at the bar were inspired by recipes from Kelly’s book, “I Can Make You HOT!” My favorite, hands down, was Kelly’s Blueberry Lemonade. (You can find the recipe for the virgin version on page 248 of the book. Feel free to add some yummy Hypnotiq!)

The 44-year-old former model took the time to greet all her guests and sign copies of her diet/lifestyle book where she shares some of her tips on how to get slim. I was able to get Kelly to sign a copy for one lucky winner, which could be you!

Swimsuit season is upon us guys and gals, you WANT to have the advice of a seasoned pro in order to help you achieve your goals. Even if you aren’t familiar with the fabulous Ms. Bensimon, we could all stand to learn some tips to look sexier this summer.

To enter, hit the comments and let me know if you have some weight loss goals that you might need a little help with. LORD know I’m trying to lose about 15 lbs before I try to wear a bikini out on South Beach!

To purchase your copy of, “I Can Make You HOT!” head on over to your favorite bookstore and grab a copy now!


Photo Cred: Photogenpix.com
Filed Under: Events, Miami Tagged With:

Remy Martin launches “V” in Miami

April 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

With Miami being one of the hottest cities in the world, I can’t imagine Remy Martin had a hard time deciding where to launch their latest bottle of deliciousness! The “Rémy Martin V” – the brand’s first clear expression, made its official debut in the 305 recently at local hotspot Baoli-Vita where guests enjoyed a variety of cocktails while jammin’ to the sounds of their resident DJ.

I tend to gravitate towards sweeter drinks so it was no surprise that my favorite concoction was the V Femme Fatale. To create this delicious cocktail at home, follow this recipe below:

V FEMME FATALE
1 ½ oz Rémy Martin V
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Drop Rose Water (available at any specialty store or restaurant supply store)
4 Muddled Seedless Red Grapes
Piper Sonoma® Sparkling Wine

Muddle grapes and splash of simple syrup in mixing glass. Combine lemon juice, rose water and remaining simple syrup to glass. Add ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with Piper Sonoma sparkling wine. Garnish with muddled grape skins.

If you want less sweet with your Remy V, I would recommend the V Cran:

Remy Martin V is not only available in Miami but also in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and Chicago. For more information, check out their website here.

Filed Under: Miami Tagged With:

Maroon 5, Calvin Harris and Flo Rida will perform at Ultimate Pool Party in Miami

April 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Remember that amazing concert that took place at the MGM Grand last year that featured performances by Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Jay Z and a gaggle of other superstars? Well, IHEARTRADIO and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach are announcing a partnership that will bring the Ultimate Pool Party to South Beach!!

The two-day musical weekend will take place from June 29-30, 2012, as part of the BleauLive concert series. The weekend will feature live performances at the iconic Fontainebleau by popular recording artists Maroon 5, Flo Rida, Gym Class Heroes and Calvin Harris, as well as a special guest appearance by Enrique Iglesias.

“Building on the success of our newly launched BleauLive performance series, which pairs top musicalacts with unique vacation experiences, iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party: Fontainebleau Miami Beach takes this concept to another level. The sensational lineup of artists paired with the resort’s world class amenities and striking poolscape creates the premier live music experience,” said Philip Goldfarb, President and COO, Fontainebleau Miami Beach. “Since 1954, Fontainebleau Miami Beach has played host to world class entertainers ranging from Frank Sinatra to the Rat Pack to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Today, we are thrilled to bring the best of 21st century musical performers together with iHeartRadio.”

For details on how to purchase your way into the Ultimate Pool Party complete with oceanview accommodations, general admission tickets and much more, visit this link or call 877-854-9018. Packages will be available for sale Monday, April 9, 2012.

Filed Under: Events, Miami Tagged With: , ,