Not So Terrible Tuesday: Dine Event at Level 25

Level 25 at the Conrad

Boo hoo BrickGals, Tuesday pub trivia at Fado is off this week (Go Heat!), so it seems to be that our Tuesday evening (prior to the ball game) has just freed up.  Lucky for us, Dine Magazine is having one of their kick ass deliciouso events in our hood.  For those of you not in the know, Dine Magazine (and our honorary BrickGal Katie) puts together some sweet events every week (three to be exact) in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade.  Conveniently, this week’s Dade event is at Level 25 at the Conrad.  On the menu, Black truffle and foie gras meat loaf (hell to the yes); Balsamic eggplant and ricotta ravioli with smoked tomato relish; Warm oriental spiced quail salad with chili mango relish; and Citrus brushed mahi steak with blood orange hollandaise (orgasmic).  Barcardi will be on tap to quench our thirst (swaaaeeettt)! 6-8 pm; Tuesday, May 24th; Tix are $1o and include a drink and hors d’oeuvres.  Catch ya in the sky!

“Your Squats F-in Suck”

Yup, that’s what I heard right before leaving Crossfit this morning.  Don’t worry BrickGals, this story has a positive twist.  I am sick and tired of BrickGal Cessie getting to break it down for you, so this week it’s my turn.

I just finished my second full week of Crossfit (Beginner Crossfit doesn’t count), so here’s my recap so far:

5.  Crossfit is fun.  I actually enjoy waking up at 7 am to get my ass kicked, and miss it when my presence is required at other activities.

4. Crossfit is a cult. Fact. But once you’re in, you’re so freakin glad that you’ll do anything to stay there (including 40 burpees at 7:30 am).

3. Crossfit shows results. Just two days ago, my friend and I met for drinks (not technically allowed with the Paleo challenge but it’s my cheat) and she said that I looked slimmer.  You also stand taller and portray more confidence. Truth. Stand up bitches!

2. Crossfit gets results.  Today our WOD (“workout of the day” for the lay folk) included hanging on a bar and bringing up your knees as high as possible (working your abs).  Literally when I started Crossfit I had trouble doing 20 situps without stopping, now I freakin dominated those suckas.

1. Crossfit is like personal training on crack.  Even though some classes get a little packed (around 40 peeps today), you will literally always get one-on-one instruction and motivation with hot ass coaches (girls includedddd Gio)!  So this brings us back to my sucky squats…  During the WOD today, Crossfit Vida god Mike O. was in my face motivating and counting my overhead squats.  In addition, he took a few people aside after the class to step by step go over again how to perform it correctly.  He started his instruction with “Your squats fucking suck”, but eventually got to detailing the movement and  reason for it in a more, shall we say, gentle way.  So bring it on Crossfit Vida god, BrickGals don’t suck at anything (especially not sticking out the booty).  I will dominate these squats. Fact.

Stay tuned for next weeks!

Friday Funday: El Vato is finally here!

BrickGals throws it around like nobody’s biznass, but TGIF!  While running on South Beach (ew, I know, I abandoned the hood) this morning, I was overjoyed to remember that today is the second best day of the week (Saturday obs takes the cake).  So, alas, let’s chat Friday happy hour.

Prior to dinner last night at Mint Leaf (review post coming soon!), BrickGals hit up El Vato which only opened on Wednesday (although some of you got a taste on Cinco de Mayo).  We waited patiently for weeks to check this place out and it didn’t disappoint (although a little pricey).  Walking up to El Vato, I was ready to get my Mexican on (didn’t hurt that cute BrickGuys were seated outside).  Although I knew I wouldn’t be able to eat anything here due to my strict new Paleo lifestyle (and the fact that I research menus ahead of time), I absolutely love tequila and was desperately hoping out loud that they would have my fav, Milagro.  Of course there’s a pooper in every party and that was “Spanish Hips” early last night as she started the night out by wishing “they have more than just tequila.” What’s this chick’s deal? (hint: she doesn’t live in Brickell)

Well “Spanish Hips” quickly changed her tune when we walked into El Vato (aka “homeboy”/dude in English) to find a version of a Grease set one would expect in Mexico.  We half expected a Mexican Kenickie (obs not the real Kenickie as he was just arrested for DUI) to be serving up our tekilla and margs, but instead we got our hottie server Oreste.  He informatively discussed the cocktails with “Spanish Hips” and convinced her that Guadalupe Martini should be the first one she tries.  She gulped it down (at $13 a pop), then took her next one a bit slower.  While we soaked in the vibe, bicycle chandelier and all, and chatted up our week’s escapades, I complacently stuck to my Milagro on the rocks.  Yes, of course they had it… Shortly i’ll return mis amigas to my Mexico dream house for Friday happy hour.

Guadalupe Martini

Check El Vato out on Facebook and Twitter.

Our full photo gallery can be found on BrickGals Facebook Page.

What you talking about Willis?

Before Power Rangers, Zack Attack, Titanic and Rachel Greene, there was Cyndi Lauper, The Breakfast Club and Gary Coleman.  Yes, my BrickGals, you guessed it.  Tonight is 80s night at Fado.  We’ve been waiting for this for weeks, and the day has finally arrived.  While I myself don’t have too much brains on the 80s (this BrickGal was only born in ’85), I’ve recruited some of my “older” friends to get dressed up in 80s attire (bonus points and free drinks for dressing up) and help me win some bar tabs (winner gets $100 gift card, 2nd gets $50, 3rd $25).  Let’s get serious though,  if you’re not first, you’re last.  On tap tonight, 80s trivia, throwback threads and pantie-dropping drank.  Trivia starts at 9. Be there or be square.

“Hey Bud, let’s party!” (‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’)

Sunday Funday: Baru Urbano Brunch

Happy Monday BrickGals (if there ever was such a thing).  Monday mornings (in addition to $22 shots from the Gansevoort and boys that don’t follow through) are the bane of my existence.  Weekends, on the other hand, are awesome.  Saturday is the most perfect day in the world.  Recovering from a hangover with a little hair of the dog makes for a great pregame for Saturday night festivities, but Sunday gets a little tricky.  It’s easy for one to get caught up in the fact that the week starts over again the very next day.  Most people take an easy day in preparation, but not BrickGals.  BrickGals are f-in champs.  We do Sunday Funday.

BrickGals had originally planned on going to the Mandarin Oriental Beach Party yesterday, but, since the weather was so crappy, we hit up brunch at Baru Urbano for a little lesson in day drinking.  Lucky for us, we had a Couptessa coupon to redeem so we got unlimited brunch items and all the sangria, mojitos and bloody marys we could ask for at the minimal price of $20.  Having hit the town a little too hard on Saturday night, we opted for a Bloody Mary to start off the day.  Over the next several hours (brunch is from 11-5), we sampled “a modern fusion menu of Cuban, Colombian, Peruvian, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Spanish and Italian, and even Jamaican delights”.  With over 12 different ingredients to add, our omelet was delish.  The fresh fruit was also exceptional.  Although one person in our party thought the mojito was a little too sweet, the Bloody Marys and Sangria was just what my doctor had ordered.

CrossFit Challenge Update : Week Dos

What’s up Brick Gals?  I’m taking over Chitown this weekend, but not without giving you a little update on my torture aka Crossfit sessions.  Maybeeee I’m being a little dramatic here, but seriously, these classes are kicking my ass (hopefully into a firmer, more toned version). Speaking of ass- let me tell you how much I love (hate) wall balls. I mean obs there isn’t anything more enjoyable than squatting my tush to the floor, while tossing a 10 pound ball up in the air against the wall and catching it. But it gets better! On Wednesday, I was introduced to the Australian ring pull ups. Holy S bombs. I can’t tell you how painful those things are, considering how weak my upper body is right now. It’s been two days and I still can’t even raise my hand to order a drank without squinting a bit from the pain!  (solution: keep drinking)

12 Commandments of CrossFit (Props to Olivia Jouffrey for Finding)

This week, BrickGal Megan and I knocked out the WOD (loving the lingo BTW) in the mornings with Larissa.  Letttt me tell you, there is nothing more motivating for wall balls than that chick’s ass.  BrickGals should all strive for her perfect bum!  All in all, I feel stronger every day- no joke! And not only do I feel stronger, but I feel great, with tons of energy!

* Note: I did get my body scan results in- and according to my BMI, while technically my weight falls under the “normal” weight category, my body fat % is outta control Brick Gals! Hi, my name is BrickGal Cessie and I am “skinny fat.”  I plan on fixing that ASAP! That’s where the Paleo Challenge is going to be so crucial to this battle between BrickGal Megan and I. We’re competing against each other to see who loses the most body fat. Not only are we judging eachother on the physical results (I mean DUH of course we both want to physically look amazing), but we have to prove that we’re actually getting healthier on the inside too!

For all your traveling ladies who can’t (or are just too lazy to get your ass to the nearest Crossfit) Vida has some amazing travel WOD’s- to make sue you stay on track, even when you’re far away from our Vida hotties. So far, I’ve been pretty good about sticking to the Paleo diet, but let’s not tell Mike O. about the absolutely amazing Pink Pop Rock Princess Martini (points for the name) I indulged in last night at Suite. What? I made up for it this morning with an egg white omelette loaded with proteins and veggies- oh and all this Chicago walking!

Till next week Brick Gals- Peace, Love & Burpees!

TGIT: Thank Gelato It’s Thursday!

Bam!  BrickGals discovered something fire (and by fire, we mean ice) last night at the grand opening party for Gelato Nostro (I invited you all on Facebook so be pissed at yourself now for not being there).  Clearly by the name, you realize it is a new gelato shop.  What you most likely do not know is that it’s parked at the bottom of Axis (adjacent to the soon to be Lucky Clover Irish pub) and features the most delectable gelato in Brickell (maybe in South Florida. I do not know, but will gladly find out for you).  The party was pretty sweet (literally they managed to get half of Miami-Dade’s political circuit to attend).  DJ played sick jams.  Fado, Rosa & SuViche offered some delicious apps. Potions in Motion Miami (bonus points for the name) got us loose with some drank.  And Gelato Nostro was the dessert cherry on top.

Don’t tell my Crossfit instructors, but I cheated on my main man Paleo when I sampled Pistachio (At least give me some credit for trying to stick to the Paleo food groups), Brickell Bacio (a combo of hazelnut and deep dark fudge chocolate – again, the nut component constitutes Paleo…) and the signature Gelato Nostro (delishhhhh.  A companion said it tasted like cheesecake.  I thought it had more of a creme brulee thang going on) flavors.  Another favorite of the night was the liquored up gelato (secret, I tasted a dulce de leche and a forgotten fruit).  Doubt they will have the gelato grownup drinks from now on, but I counted 24 other flavors of gelato, some delish looking cakes and even (what I like to call) banana nutella pocketbooks now available for the indulging.

Check out BrickGals on Facebook for all the pics from the event…

Mamma Mia: Mother’s Day in Brickell

BrickGal Parents (Reppin the U)

For those of you Brick Gals lucky (ah-hem) enough to have tu madre in town this weekend, treat her to something special this Mother’s Day.  No, I’m not talking about your presence (although, we all know your presence is a blessing in itself).  I’m not talking a card from CVS (lame), box of chocolates from your apt convenience store (fattening and gross) or some farm fresh flowers from Publix (boring, typical and pathetic).  I mean come on… your momma has put up with all your s*** for the past XX (enter your age here, minus one. We all know Brick Gals are angels from God during the first year after birth) years of her life from stealing her booze (aka replacing some of the delicious nectar with water to avoid being caught after finding that family liquor cabinet) to your desire for ridiculous hair styles while in grade school (I had a perm, which was awful, but i’m sure some of you other chicas did the purple hair or experimented with a little mow-hawk action).  Lucky for you, I’ve picked a couple top places you should take mom, so please read on.

View from Crazy About You

Best  View: For a mother that loves visiting her daughter in Miami cause of the beautiful outdoor scenery, check out Crazy About You (at the Mark).  This Brickell restaurant is offering a special on their Surf & Turf (Filet Mignon & Shrimp Skewers) for just under $30.  Best part about CAY, bottles of wine are 13 bucks and the view of the Bay, free.

Brickell Mother's Day Eos Restaurant

Best Assortment:  We all know the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. So if your mom is as cool as you (duh you’re a Brick Gal), she also probably gets bored quick (lameo boys take note).  If this is the case, check out Eos at the Viceroy.  Mother’s get the royal treatment here with everything from traditional Greek favorites like Stuffed Grape Leaves and Pepperoncini, Olives, Feta Cheese, Cucumbers, Garlic Croutons at the Mediterranean Station to Ricotta Ravioli, Prime Rib, Chateau Potatoes and more.  Bonus, deliciouso desserts like Red Velvet Cupcakes, Napoleans and Eclairs and Chambord Mamma Mia Mimosas included. 11:30-3; $60

Healthy Drinking: Nor Cal Margaritas

Nor Cal Margarita

I never thought I would be putting ‘Healthy’ and ‘Drinking’ together, but when you’re a Brick Gal, you obs find a way.  With BrickGals’ new Paleo Diet, tequila is the preferred drink of choice because it is a) the bomb and b) “fermented agave juice, which makes it gluten- and starch-free” (according to Robb Wolf). Swaeeet for me, because I could probably live off Tequila I like it so much.

Easy to make and delish to drank, the Nor Cal Margarita from Robb Wolf (super hottie and one of the pioneers of Paleo eating) is the way to go today for Cinco de Mayo.

Nor Cal Margarita Ingredients: 

2 oz tequila

Juice of 1 lime

Splash of Soda Water

** For those of you Brick Gals not on Paleo but still trying to keep it trim, learn how to make the Skinny Girl Margarita from Bethenny Frankel (sub triple sec for soda water) …

It’s Cinco de Mayo – Bring out the Tequila!

Lots of money, little work, cheap tequila! Viva Mexico!

Orale Guey (“OK dude” in English for you non-cultural Brick Gals), it’s time to fiesta! Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican’s victory over our Parisian Lovahs’ in the Battle of Puebla back before any of us were even sperminated, but let’s keep it real, it’s  just a legit excuse for us to bring out the Tequila!  Te-Kill-Ya? What?! Uh, get wit it, we’re just following the Paleo diet instructions on healthy drinking- so put your sombrero on and party like your last name is Cuervo.

BrickGals love any excuse to drink heavily during the week, and these Brickell spots are celebrating with festivities to make you feel like you literally crossed the border! Well, sorta!

Rosa Mexicano- Mary Brickell Village

BrickGal Cessie Takin' Down a Marg at Villa Maria in Mexico City

Feast on Rosa’s delicious menu and add some ooh-la la to your meal in honor of those Frenchies! Rosa Mexicano is rolling out a twisted version of the traditional margarita- the French Margarita. Or you can always stick to a BrickGals favorite, their Pomegranate frozen margarita. There will be live music, lunch and dinner menus and DJ’s to help mariachi your ass all the way home in true Mexican style! 900 S. Miami Avenue, 305-695-1005.

Barú Urbano

‎So, they’re not technically “Mexican”- but hey neither are you. That doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to join the 5 de Mayo festivities! So, from  5pm to 5 am you’ll find live entertainment with a live band (doesn’t mean you be alive after) but hey who can pass on a Jose Cuervo & Corona sponsored fiesta? RSVP is strongly suggested! 1001 S Miami Ave-786-991-4570

Burger & Beer Joint

Come on Brick Gals, nothing like bringing an all American tradition like burgers and mixing it with a Mexican flare! B & B’s will offer Paleo diet friendly Mexican-style fajita & taco burgers (we know the hunks at Crossfit Vida would approve) and $7 margaritas and mojitos!  $2 Jose Cuervo Jello shots (yes please), piñatas and costumes (you know you want to!). The fiest starts at 6pm and runs til midnight.  900 South Miami Ave, Miami, 305-523-2244

Viva Mexico Brick Gals! Just make sure ya drink responsibly and be safe!