July 5, 2009
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 Photo Credit: Binder.donedat @ flickr There was a time when we were obsessed with Miami Ink to get our fix on all the coolest tattoos around, but now Tattoolapalooza is all the craze (well, maybe just for next weekend). Make your way down to the Miami Beach Convention Center next week (July 10-12) for this tattoo, motorcycle and art convention, as they will be bringing together some of the best artists around (yes, even ice sculptors will be around) to compete and to create the perfect design for you. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Children under 5 feet tall get in free.
Whether you are looking to get a new tattoo, show off your design skills, watch a live painting experiment, attend a seminar or just people watch, you will be sure to find something here to liven up your weekend. Many contests will be held over the course of the weekend including: Traditional, small, Japanese, Back Piece, Realism, Calf Sleeve, New School, worst tattoo and more. If you aren’t into tattoos, there are still contests for you including a motorcycle contest and a $1000 body painting competition.
No one to watch the kids? Don’t worry, as this is a child-friendly zone. There will be games, rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house and temporary tattoos just for the kids.
TattooLaPalooza, Tattoo and Motorcycle Extravaganza takes place July 10-12 at the Miami Beach Convention Center located at 1901 Convention Center Dr. (305) 673-7311
Time:
July 10: 12pm - 12am
July 11: 12pm - 12am
July 12: 12pm - 9pm
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, weekend pass (in advance) is $35 and $40 at the door. Seminars are additional.
July 3, 2009
 Chef Joe with Voodoo Chicken When it comes to great restaurants in the area, I like to think I’m on the top of my game. New openings, closings, new chefs coming, menu specials, unique promotions - I sift through hundreds of emails a day telling me about what’s going on and that doesn’t even include my daily reading list. So when I heard about a chef at The Windsor Gardens Hotel in North Palm Beach who’s resume includes spending time at the Versace Mansion and Barton G., I was like, “Why don’t I know about this?”
A friend of mine called me up a few months ago asking me if I’d ever heard of The Windsor Gardens Hotel. Where is that? I quickly called up the restaurant and was anxious to hear about it. Located just south of PGA Boulevard near the Intracoastal Waterway lies Secrets Piano Bar and Grill and The Windsor Gardens Hotel. With only 90 rooms, the hotel doesn’t jump out at you and I’ve driven by it many times, but the second you go to the restaurant, you will be blown away, just like I was earlier this week.
 Chef Joseph Angelucci has created a culinary gem in North Palm Beach. As I mentioned, he has spent time working at the Versace Mansion and Barton G., trained under James Beard Award-winning chef Michael McNally and wows patrons that walk through his door. He’s even had the chance to cook for former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Shaquille O’Neill. Whether you are sitting down at the bar for his incredible $5 bar menu, attending one of his wine dinners, attending a meeting in the conference center or getting ready for a culinary awakening, Chef Joe will wow you. Right now, I’m just sitting here wondering which foodie friends of mine, I can bring back to the restaurant. OK, I was just there for a Happy Hour event, but when you know something is this good, you are craving more.
 As I mentioned, I was there for a Happy Hour event. I do these often, but I can say with all certainty that Chef Joe blew everyone else away. From the moment I walked in the door, the tables were cleared out and the spread of food included fresh Mozzarella Caprese Skewers, Hummus, homemade breads, gourmet cheese trays, sweet Maytag Stuffed Mission Figs with Prosciutto, Truffled Shrimp Salad in Cucumber Cups. Plus, they brought out hot hors d’oeuvres throughout the night including my absolute favorite, the smoking Voodoo Chicken - a mix between a grilled chicken skewer and a spring roll with a sweet sauce gave a dynamite flavor, though I must admit it was a bit difficult to eat as I was running around, but worth every bite.
So, how can I rave about this restaurant without even sitting down for dinner there yet? Oh, you will see and I will be back soon to report on my trip. They are located at The Windsor Gardens Hotel, 11360 US Highway 1 in North Palm Beach. (561) 768-3001
If you want to try out the restaurant soon, you might be interested in their wine dinner on July 16. 5 courses with 5 wines from Opici for only $45++, but you have to reserve in advance by calling 561-768-3001 if you would like to get that special price.
Here’s the menu:
1st Course - Warm Bacon Salad with Crispy Tempura Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Mache, Roma Tomato, Red Onion & Citrus Grilled Shrimp
2nd Course - Swordfish Skewers with Chermoula and Moroccan Couscous
3rd Course - Argentinean Plank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce and Ancho Corn Pudding
4th Course - Lamb Corfu with Kaffir Lime Infused Orzo Salad
5th Course - Grilled Summer Peaches and Cream
Photos from personal collection.
July 1, 2009
 Alexdecarvalho @ flickr Thanks to a reader, I recently discovered a fabulous deal that the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is running from now through Labor Day. Whether you would like to stay in a hotel, go out for dinner or visit a local attraction, they are offering many buy 3 get 1 free specials. It looks like only members of the GMCVB can offer these specials, but if you are a family of four or another group of 4, you will like what they are offering.
Some of the offers include:
For a list of all the deals, visit the GMCVB promotion page.
June 29, 2009
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 mandj98 @ flickr The 4th of July marks the middle of summer and food, parties and fireworks will be all around. Whether you like a small private event, a family-friendly venue or somewhere that is the hub of activity, you won’t be lacking choices this year. Here are some choices you have in South Florida:
West Palm Beach
If you are looking to be in the center of all the action, make your way down to 4th on Flagler in West Palm Beach. With 3 stages of entertainment, a kid’s are, food, refreshments, a Firefighters’ Splash and Dash and a Fireworks display, they aren’t lacking excitement. This event takes place on Flagler Drive between Fern Street and Lakeview Avenue and in Trinity Park from 5:00 - 10:00 pm. The fireworks show will take place at 9:00 pm, but go down early to grab a spot.
Don’t want to deal with the crowds on Flagler, but still want to enjoy the show? Stop by Northwood Village, and bring your picnic to the park (directly across from Cafe Centro).
Wellington
The Village of Wellington is hosting an all-day, family-friendly 4th of July. Start off by enjoying a Patriotic Pool Party at the Aquatics Complex from noon - 5:00 pm where music, games and giveaways will be all around. (normal pool rates apply) At 6:00 pm, move on over to Village Park (11700 Pierson Rd) where games, rides, face painting, bingo and of course, food will be all around. Live music will also be playing to liven up the scene. Shuttle Service will be provided to and from the Mall at Wellington Green (Palm Tran bus stop). At 9:15 pm, be ready for a fantastic fireworks display taking place at Village Park, though the display will be able to be seen in the surrounding areas.
Delray Beach
Be prepared for a full day of activity. The action starts at 8:00 am when the sand sculpting contest begins. The fun continues with a Patriotic and Scooter Parade, free concert, dancing in the streets, and a 9:00 pm fireworks display taking place at the intersection of A1A and Atlantic Ave.
Fort Lauderdale
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 pm taking place on Las Olas Blvd on the beach. Continue reading 4th of July Activities in South Florida
June 28, 2009
 Wherever you look, you will find restaurant days, weeks or months. Miami Spice went from 1 time a year in the past to 3 times this year (starting up again in August) in a quest to bring in more customers. Then there’s Dine Out Lauderdale, Coral Gables Restaurant Week(s), Flavor Palm Beach. Will we ever have to pay full price again?
Last year, Palm Beach announced its first restaurant week. After much success, they decided to bring it back this year and extend it through the month of June. Well, I just heard that they will be extending it all summer long. That’s right, throughout the months of June, July and August, you will be able to indulge in the creative culinary creations of the chefs in Palm Beach for only $20.09 for a 3-course lunch and $35.00 for a 3-course dinner.
So if you don’t make it out to some of the restaurants in Palm Beach this summer, you have absolutely no excuse. All of the top restaurants are participating in Palm Beach Restaurant Month(s) including Bice, Cafe Boulud, the restaurants at The Breakers, Renato’s, Ta-Boo and more.
Image provided by Palm Beach CVB.
June 27, 2009
 laffy4k @ flickr If you are looking to travel to South Florida and avoid the bustle of the larger cities, yet still enjoy the outdoors, you might want to consider traveling to Hollywood, Florida. Situated 10 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale airport and 30 minutes from the Miami International airport, you are close enough to both cities to join in the fun.
In addition to shops and adorable restaurants, they also boast the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. No cars are allowed here so walkers, runners, bicyclists and rollerbladers take over and are able to enjoy all that Hollywood has to offer. Since they promote this pedestrian-free zone, their summer promotion fits right in and will let you explore downtown Hollywood.
When you book a room, from now through September 30, 2009, you will receive breakfast for two and a one-hour complimentary bike rental for two. You must book your room online to take advantage of this promotion.
If you are new to Hollywood, I would recommend getting a map as the streets can be quite confusing.
June 26, 2009
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 yumiang @ flickr The Kravis Center, located in West Palm Beach, is one of southeast Florida’s finest performing arts centers. Located close to CityPlace they often bring national and international shows to the residents and visitors of West Palm Beach. Combining 3 different venues into one, you have the 2,193 seat Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall, the 300-seat Rinker Playhouse and the outdoor Michael and Andrew Gosman Amphitheatre. It also is a venue where local arts organization can showcase their work.
Their line-up of performances this fall and winter is pretty spectacular, so if you haven’t been before, it might be a great time to run out and get your tickets.
August 4 - 9: Mamma Mia (Tickets run for $25 - $90 and are available now)
November 10 - 15: Grease
January 5 - 10: South Pacific
February 2 - 7: A Chorus Line
March 10 - 28: Jersey Boys
May 4 - 9: Burn the Floor
The Kravis Center is located 701 Okeechobee Blvd in West Palm Beach. (561) 832-7469
Parking: A parking garage is available and valet is available for most performances at a cost of $12 per car.
Tri-Rail: Located 3 blocks south of the West Palm Beach Tri-Rail.
June 25, 2009
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 Umberto Fistarol @ flickr Anniversaries are a reason to celebrate and on Saturday, O’Shea’s Irish Pub is celebrating their 15th Anniversary so it’s time to celebrate. Make your way down to the 500 block of Clematis Street for a lively block party.
When: Saturday, June 27
Time: 3:00 pm - ??
Where: 500 block of Clematis Street in West Palm Beach
What will be happening: How does live music, food and drink specials, bagpipe performances, a laser light show and traditional Irish dancers sound?
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun on Saturday, O’Shea’s may be the perfect destination.
O’Shea’s on Clematis Street has been a staple in downtown West Palm Beach since 1994. Bringing traditional Irish cuisine to patrons in an pub atmosphere is what attracts many to the location. In addition, they seem to be the only restaurant open through the toughest storms and hurricanes and they offer free wi-fi (always a bonus in my book).
June 24, 2009
 ElitePhotoArt @ flickr When I moved to South Florida, there was 1 thing I never understood: Why weren’t there any good Mexican restaurants? Seriously, maybe I’m not venturing into the right area or my tastebuds have changed since I’ve moved down here, but I can’t find anything that fulfills that craving for some authentic Mexican flavors. So if you have a favorite, please fill me in because I feel like I’m on a never-ending search for my enchiladas and Margaritas.
So whenever I hear about a new Mexican restaurant I get excited. Coming soon (ok it’s not scheduled to open until Winter 2009) to Midtown Miami is Mercadito Midtown. With 3 successful locations already in New York, 1 coming to Chicago and this own in Midtown, it looks like we could have some delicious Mexican food coming our way. It will be a mixture of native cuisine with a modern flair focusing on fresh ingredients. Some highlights on the menu include guacamole. Not just the traditional version, but a mango guacamole with jicama and chipotle gets my mouth watering. There will also be a selection of tacos including the Estilo Baja, a beer battered mahi mahi with Mexican coleslaw and chipotle aioli, may be just what the doctor ordered. For entrees, the Pollo a las Brasas with chicken, 3 corn pico de gallo and chile de arbol salsa sounds quite tempting.
Of course, an outing to a Mexican restaurant wouldn’t be the same without a large selection of Tequila (It’s time for a Margarita now!) and Mexican beer. With the spacious room, the artsy feel and the Mexican art brought in, I may soon have an answer for where to go for delicious Mexican cuisine. I sure hope so.
Mercadito Midtown will be located 3252 NE First Avenue.
June 22, 2009
 Photo Credit: Mike Babcock @ flickr Do you have a need for speed? Then, race on up to Orlando for the Indy Racing Experience. Located at the Walt Disney World Speedway, racing enthusiasts have been flocking to this Orlando attraction since November of 2008. The Indy Racing Experience is as close to driving in the Indy 500 as it gets.
Before stepping inside, deck yourself out in an authentic driver fire suit. Then, you are ready to be strapped in by the pit crew and experience this thrilling adventure. Once you are inside the customized 2-seat Indy Car which was used in past Indy 500 events, you will be behind the wheel for 8 laps of sheer excitement. The cars reach up to 160 mph and will have your heart racing in this unforgettable experience. If you’re a little hesitant to get behind the wheel, this experience is also open to riders who would like to sit in the passenger’s seat. This ride is a little shorter (3 laps), but still just as thrilling.
This unforgettable experience will set you back $399 plus tax for driving the car and $109 plus tax for just riding, but if you are seeking that thrill, it’s well worth it. Ready for a trip to Orlando? I am.
Make your reservations today.
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