Basic Hummus

Why buy hummus at the grocery store when it is easy to make at home?  A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, hummus is a great dip or hors d’oeuvre.  Made with chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), it’s packed with protein and fiber.  Serve it with bread and it’s a complete protein. Here’s what you’ll need: [...]

A Brief History of Triple Sec

From Margaritas to Mai Tais, Cosmopolitans to Kamikazes, Triple Sec is an important ingredient in many cocktails. While you may not think much of this spirit, you may be surprised to learn it has quite the history. Triple Sec was created in 1834 by Jean-Baptiste Combier in France’s Loire Valley.  It’s a mix of Haitian [...]

Dining Deals at Flavor Palm Beach

You’ve been enjoying Miami Spice, now check out Flavor Palm Beach! The great dining deals are coming to Palm Beach County for the month of September. Now in its second year, Flavor Palm Beach is a great way to discover new restaurants or enjoy your favorites at a discounted price. From September 1st through 30th, [...]

AG Pick Under $15: Brooklyn Oenology 2007 Social Club Red

A vineyard grows in Brooklyn . . . or at least a winery does. Brooklyn Oenology was one of my most exciting finds during a recent trip to Long Island’s wine country.  My first taste was the 2007 Chardonnay, a Burgundian style fruit-focused white with tropical fruit flavors and a hint of walnut and vanilla.  [...]

Celebrity Chef Series at the Adrienne Arsht Center

The Celebrity Chef Series is returning to Miami this fall with a BAM! Emeril Lagasse, Anthony Bourdain and other celebrity chefs will be taking the stage at the Adrienne Arsht Center for season two of the delicious series. Each program features intimate interviews with the chefs about their culinary journeys, live cooking demonstrations and a [...]

Chilled Avocado and Cucumber Soup

Chilled avocado and cucumber soup is a great dish for the summertime.  No stove required — all you need is a blender.  Cold with a kick of spice from the jalapeño, this soup makes a great appetizer or main course. Here’s what you’ll need: 2 avocados 2 seedless cucumbers, peeled 1 jalapeño, seeds removed juice [...]

RA Sushi in South Miami Celebrates First Anniversary

Bring your appetite and your craziest hat to RA Sushi in South Miami this Thursday evening — the hip sushi lounge and restaurant will be celebrating its first anniversary with an Alice in Wonderland-themed party! The “Mad Hatter’s Sake-Tea-Ni Party” will feature themed food and cocktails, flavored hookahs, dance beats by DJ Johnny The Boy [...]

Mia at Biscayne Grand Opening

After months of anticipation, downtown Miami’s new restaurant, lounge and nightclub is finally open! Mia at Biscayne was filled Friday night with diners and downtowners getting their first taste of what’s sure to become a hot spot. Located at the corner of Biscayne Boulevard and Flagler Street, Mia will breathe new life into downtown, especially [...]

More Highlights from the North Fork Wine Trail

If you’re planning a visit to the North Fork of Long Island, here are some more wineries I recommend visiting: I found several nice white wines at Paumanok Vineyards.  It’s one of the first wineries you will encounter on Route 25 if you’re driving from western Long Island. Paumanok is the only winery in the [...]

Long Island Wine Country: Lenz Winery

After a great visit to Shinn Estate Vineyards, I was really looking forward to exploring other wineries on the North Fork of Long Island. Next up: Lenz.  Founded in 1978, the winery has some of the oldest vines in the region. Lenz’s tasting room is located along Route 25 in Peconic.  It resembles Shinn’s cozy [...]