Please Welcome, Absolut Miami!
Did you say, Absolut Miami? Well, it's about time! Miami is now the sixth U.S. city with its own variety, joining Los Angeles, New Orleans, Boston, Broooooooooooklyyyyyyyyyyn and San Francisco. This vodka is a blend of orange-blossom and passion fruit. Cheers!
Absolut Miami
Night Lights!
Looking up at the Miami Tower
Downtown night view
On the rail, looking downtown
Art around town.
Mixed Media (life size), by Luis Garcia-Nerey (circa 2011) *art curator voice*
Occupy Art Basel Acrylic, 11ft x 15ft, by David Leroi (circa 2011)
Britto bears at his gallery (Lincoln road)
these teddys aren't so soft.
Downtown Miami Book Fair International 2011
My Lady and I enjoyed all the visuals we witnessed at the Miami Book Fair International last week. I just wanted to share some of them.
Book vendors lined the both sides of streets attempting to catch the attention of fair-goers.
Fair-goers enjoying the beautiful weather while sampling various dishes.
This black/white striped stilt walker was a little unsettling.
There was more than enough sweets to go around.
These chinese masks reminded me of the cult favorite martial arts flick, "The 5 Deadly Venoms."
I even saw a dancing lion. . (and I think he saw me too).
This year's poster for the Miami Book Fair has a very strong colorful and graphic quality. (Imagine that as a print for a tie or scarf?)
Author Norma Jennings was on hand to sign copies of her book, "Daughter of the Caribbean."
Dancing stilt walkers mesmerized fair-goers of all ages.
Miami Carnival, On de road
Being able to jump up with de band has been a tradition of mine during the carnival season for quite some time. In Brooklyn, New York on Eastern Parkway, my friends and I would jump up with as many bands as we could from the starting point on Rochester Avenue to the Judging area at Grand Army Plaza. Chippin' with one band for 1 or 2 blocks then waiting on the next one was too much fun but that was before when you didn't have to register with the band in order to jump up with them. Well, alot has changed and now even in Miami, the only way can do that is to chip with the bands "on de road", on the way to Sun Life Stadium (where for the second consecutive year, the Miami Broward One Host Committee held the Miami Broward One Carnival").
Some of us are having a difficult time (rationalizing) paying over a hundred dollars to play mas in Miami (but to each his one). In Trinidad I'm all for it (but that's another post).
Below are a few visuals from the Carnival. Enjoy!
"Hex Batallion"
"Au Revoir"
"Ascension"
More "Au Revoir"
from one extreme to the next. .
"Jammin'"
"In the sun"
"Fusion"
"Waitin'"
With all that said, I think I'll be back next year. 
“Sake” to me!
Located about 5 min (by car) from downtown Miami is a little japanese gem called the Saki Room. Little did the Ladies and I know that we were in for a treat. On the menu - the Seaweed Salad, Shrimp Shumai, Salmon Teriyaki, the Zuzuki Roll and the Miami Roll. While the food was divine (no, really!!), the decor was easy on the eye as well.
Take a look for yourself.
- "Seaweed Salad"
The Seaweed Salad was crisp but not hard, just right with a glass of Riesling.
"Steamed, Shrimp Shumai"
Although you have the option to have them fried, I prefer steamed. It adds to the overall tenderness of the shrimp and well, it's healthier!
- "Salmon Teriyaki + Zuzuki Roll"
The Salmon was good alongside the salad (w/asian ginger dressing) and rice. The Zuzuki Roll consists of tuna, avocado, cilantro, rice and spicy mayo topped with ikura (caviar). Despite the spicy mayo, it wasn't hot surprisingly but packed full of flavor.
"Miami Roll"
Oh and the Miami Roll was delectable - fried salmon, avocado, scallions, and caviar w/chili mayo. Yes, Yes, Yes!!
abstract art adds to the soothing ambiance
comfy seating. .
beautiful decor. .
Wait, you're still reading??
Sake Room275 NE 18th Street
Miami, FL 33132
305.755.0122
Another slice, please!
Lorna's Red Velvet Cake, Oooooh yes!
I treated myself recently to a slice of Red Velvet cake from (another neighb' fav), Lorna's Caribbean & American Restaurant. *achem* Two words - Moist, Heavenly. No wait, two more - Luscious, Scrumptious. OK one more, Mouthwatering! Yes, it's that good and well worth it, at $3 a slice.
Lorna's Caribbean & American Restaurant236 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, Fl 33132
786.517.0183