BJs for Bros

Tomorrow night, the girls at Blo decided it was time to get some man action up in the joint. Brava ladies, we heart you, thank you so much for giving us a reason to post about blo jobs.

Chili Cookoff Today!

All you BrickGals heading to Chili Cookoff today, have fun!!  I know some BrickGals looking for tickets so hit us up on Twitter if you’ve got extra!

A Veteran Stakes His Claim – Azul Restaurant Review

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in your shoe

OYSTERS, On The Half Shell, Fresh Oregon Wasabi, Watermelon Radish, Grated Asian Pear, Shaved Hibiscus Granita

There’s a reason so many brides still follow one of the oldest wedding omens heard round the world.  Cause it works.  The other 50%, eh, maybe they should head back to traditions.

Another ‘oldie but goodie’ that works?

Azul at Mandarin Oriental Miami has been a staple on the Brickell restaurant scene for the last 11+ years.  To my count, less than a handful of restaurants and bars have passed the same test of time.  So there is our something “old.”

And on to our “new”… While acclaimed Chef Joel Huff has done stints at Tydes Restaurant and Coral Café in Santa Barbara, Saam at The Bazaar by José Andrés in Beverly Hills and Silks at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco, he was named Chef de Cuisine at Azul just last year.  His menu captures the best elements of modern European cuisine with American and Asian influences.

Something borrowed… Sommelier Cynthia Betancourt.  This Master Sommelier has held the resident post long before Chef Huff arrived (since 2007 to be exact) so we’re considering her borrowed.  Azul’s brilliant wine program features more than 700 world-class wines. The award-winning wine list encompasses a mix of current releases, to classic vintages from the finest producers, with the latest boutique wineries worldwide. Betancourt’s approach with guests is one of opening their minds and palates to sample the many fruits and tastes of the globe in a friendly and genuine manner.

“CARNAROLI” RICE RISOTTO, Soft Poached Egg, Chanterelle Wild Mushroom, Forest Floor

Something blue… Liquid. Waterfront restaurant with stunning views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami’s skyline.  Dramatic water wall upon entrance to the 120-seat restaurant. A selection a fine caviars from oceans across the world.  Deliciously fresh oysters on the half shell with fresh Oregon wasabi, watermelon radish, grated Asian pear and shaved hibiscus granita.  An elegant Champagne bar with a plethora of different champagnes and cocktails. Hot tea poured on the “forest floor” surrounding my carnaroli rice risotto.

And a silver sixpence in your shoe…  Or maybe a lot of sixpence.  Deservedly so, Azul isn’t cheap.  Beginnings (Apps) start at $14 with Main Events (entrees) reaching up to $85.

Our BrickGals dinner at Azul was fantastic.  From the view and the company, to our delish food and fantastic cocktails, we definitely recommend Azul as a romantic date spot… oh hey! It’s Valentine’s Day next month. Start planting the seed now ladies!

For a full photo gallery of our dinner at Azul, head to Facebook.

Diggin’ the Digits

Within the next few weeks, I want to start breaking down some of the ‘must knows’ of Brickell spots for newbies to the area (and some of you Brickell veterans who maybe missed it).  Today’s post is on keeping a BrickGals’ digits dainty.

I’ve been going to Spa & Nail Fever in Mary Brickell Village for awhile now, but, after some less than awesome experiences, I decided to test out Brickell Nail Spot.  Located next to Tobacco Road, Brickell Nail Spot is a cute salon decked in lime green walls (a BrickGal fav color) and abstracty art work.  I went on a Friday and was the only patron in the place.  I enjoyed the calmness, a welcome respite from S&NF.

Brickell Nail Spot does everything right.  My gel powder nails ($35) were done fantastic, and they played some awesome pop-y house, think Calvin Harris & Rihanna, Adele remix, etc.  My technician Kim was the first technician I actually ever wanted to talk to in a salon (normally I prefer to sit in silence and critique their every move in my head).  She allowed me to make ‘important’ text messages to plan my evening, and grabbed me some water when I was a little coughy from the nail filer.  And, when I stupidly forgot some cash for tip, they let me add it on to my credit card even though they have a sign that says “tip in cash only.”  Amazeee!  Point of note, the owner (who during my visit was maning the phones and desk) is one hot piece.   Slam shot!  I will definitely be coming back again and again!

630 S Miami Ave
Miami, FL 33130

(305) 373-5544

Mon-Sat 10:30 am – 8 pm & Sun 12 pm – 5:30 pm

Across the bridge… If you happen to be hitting up Monty’s on South Beach and look down to find your nails less than steller, hit up Nails 111 on Alton and 1st.

For the college student still in you…

Spittin’ Fire – Chinese New Year Events

It’s pretty convenient that it’s Chinese New Year this weekend considering we had some amazzze weather in Brickell (aka mama got her sunburn on at the pool).  Known in China as the “Spring Festival,” the holiday celebrates the end of the winter season.

A dragon dance from a past Chinese New Year at Mandarin Oriental, Miami.

It looks like the Dragon, which symbolizes excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity, takes center stage this year, which sounds good to me cause I’m all up and ready for some excitement.

Beginning tonight, Chinese New Year will be celebrated all week at some of Miami Downtown & Brickell’s finest establishments…

January 22nd @ 8 pm: Chinese New Year Celebration and Traditional Lion Dance at Tony Chan’s Water Club (Inside the Hilton Doubletree Grand) – Bring in the Chinese New Year with Tony Chan’s Water Club by celebrating with ancient traditions and favorites such as the Steamed Pork Dumplings, Cashew Chicken and Cantonese Steak.  The Chinese Lion Dance dates back over 1,000 years in ancient China and is a symbol for joy and happiness during the Chinese New Year.

January 25th at 6:30 pm: Dinner with the Artist at Mandarin Oriental, Miami – Hear a private talk with renowned Chinese Artist Fung Ming Chip in the lobby, followed by three-course dinner paired with wines in Cafe Sambal. Tickets are USD 75 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity.

January 28th at 7 pm: Al Fresco Chinese New Year Party at Mandarin Oriental, Miami (private beach) – Enjoy a DJ, delicious Asian cuisine stations with open bar, a majestic dragon dance and entertainment, all set to the backdrop of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Tickets are USD 95 per person in advance or USD 110 at the door, plus tax and gratuity.

享受黨

I’m Going DWNTWNnnnn

Downtown, things’ll be great when you’re

Downtown, no finer place for sure

Downtown, everything’s waiting for you

Downtown

 

Good Morning BrickGals!  It’s another bea-u-tiful day out (high of 79 degress to be exact)!  While we may not be able to travel to New York like the song suggests, who would even want to, after such fantastic weather down here the past few days?

We propose not heading from sunshine to snow flakes, but rather heading to the Downtown Food & Wine Festival going on today in Brickell at the newly launched Central Park Miami.

Central Park Miami

From 1  – 6 pm, the 1st Annual Dwntwn Food & Wine will bring together a selection of the best restaurants in Miami and a wide variety of world renowned wine and spirits distributed by Republic National Distributing Company.  The event will begin with a VIP Tasting at noon and will open for regular admission ticket holders at 1:00 p.m. for a three-hour tasting experience. Through the festival’s conclusion at 6 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy cooking demonstrations by Johnson and Wales University faculty members, live musical performances by Performance Arts Exchange and much more.  A percentage of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Jorge Posada Foundation.

Restaurants participating include The Oceanaire, Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita, Crazy About You, Chophouse, Baru, Jimmy’z Kitchen, Edge, Mare Nostrum, and Off the Hookah.  Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Camposaldo, Bodegas Campillo, MontGras, Michel Redde, Louis Jadot, Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, Fireball Whiskey, St. Francis Winery & Vineyard, Santa Rita, Renwood, Benzinger, Santa Martina, NxNW and Acrobat are providing the beverages.

General admission tickets are $75 and VIP admission tickets are $150.  Central Park Miami is located at 1300 South Miami Avenue in Brickell.

Petula Clark – Downtown Video

Wine of the Week: Elsa Malbec

If you haven’t heard of Malbec, you are either not a wine drinker (which is inexcusable!) or you don’t get out enough.  Malbec is THE hottest varietal out there right now! Everyone is talking about it, drinking it, making it, buying it…. While it originated in France and is grown in wine regions throughout the world, Malbec is currently known as the “it” grape in Argentina.

One of my favorite everyday drinking wines is the Elsa Malbec from the Valentin Bianchi winery.  You can find this gem for under $10 and it is sure to please.  Elsa Malbec is a single vineyard, unoaked wine that brings beautiful aromas of blackberry fruits and violets.  Since the wine is unoaked you are really able to taste the juicy fruit that the Malbec grape produces.  This fruit-forward wine is easily enjoyed on it’s own, but is also a fabulous compliment to red sauces, BBQ and grilled meats (hello Argentina)!!!! If you haven’t tried Malbec yet, get to it.  Peer pressure, everyone is doing it!

**flwinegal is having technical difficulties with her posting ability so I’m posting the wine of the week on her behalf today.**

Veuve it Up Early!

Whoever came up with the idea that booze should be cheaper the earlier you started drinking was a brilliant, brilliant woman.  (Seriously, you can’t possibly think a man came up with that!)

Area 31, due to its high altitude – the 16th floor at the Epic to be exact, has spoken to the gods and reenacted “Veuve on the Clock.”  If you’ve seen the Tebow special (for all my sporty BrickGals) on ESPN, then you know he sings to God during football games.  (This was the sole reason he was able to win so many games… not that he’s an amaze specimen or anything.)  This is similar to myself when I show up to Area 31 during “Veuve on the Clock.”  I legit sing to the heavens American Idol-style what an amazing God I have for bringing me this blessing.  Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 5 to 7 pm Veuve Clicquot will be priced according to time during happy hour. From 5 –5:59 pm each glass is $5; 6 – 6:59 pm each glass is $6, and so on until 7:59 pm.

Hallelujah.

 

 

DWNTWN Concert Series Tonight!

The DWNTWN Miami Concert Series is tonight, featuring three local Miami bands: Afro Kumbe, Jahfeě and ArtOfficial.  Located at Bayfront Park’s Tina Hills Pavilion, the concert starts at 6 pm.  Food Trucks will be on-site and drinks will be available, but also feel free to BYOB.