As soon as I heard bring your "upscale Caribbean awesomeness", I knew I had to put Freedom Friday in my weekly calendar. The Happy Hour located at the Solare Garden in Doral launches on March 2nd. So I can' t wait to taste the pepper shrimp, fried fish and roti after a long day at work. Will tell you all about it on Saturday morning. The good thing is that it is every Friday!
What seems to be my one millionth meeting with my realtor took an unexpected turn today.
As my mood was not at its best with the house hunting taking forever, she decided to cheer me up by taking me out for a late lunch at Brio at Gulfstream in Hallandale. Nonetheless to say that she knows her client well as a full belly always make me feel better. I just did not know this would be accomplished with a budget under $10. From 3.30 pm till 6.30 pm, Brio, Tuscan Grill, serves Tuscan Tasters for $2.95 each.
Not tapas style, regular size! So I started with the roasted garlic , spinach and artichoke dip while my realtor had the shrimtini, chilled shrimp served in a martini glass with roasted tomato coktail sauce and fresh lemon. We then both ordered the Brio burger with provolone chese and housemade chips. I was full after the 3rd bite. The patio was beautifully quiet and agreable with the sunset profiling at the horizon. While searching the MLS, we ended up melting to temptation with the chocolate lava cake served with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh rasperries. The real cherry on top was the bill: $20 for the 5 items. The dessert on its own cost more money than the food. I truly recommend this spot as the food was really good, and the ambiance was great and relaxing. As far as drinks, I noticed a sign stating $5 margaritas... so drink up to great $2.95 food!
I woke up one day and decided to take a trip overseas. Japan and Hong Kong were my choices. Knowing my collegue friend lived in Japan, I knew it would be a great way to visit Tokyo as he knew his way around. After a lonnnng trip and many movies in the plane from Miami to Nareta airport in Japan, I took the bullet train that brought me in the heart of Tokyo, at the Nippori station where Albert met me. (it took him 45 minutes to find the only non Asian looking woman in the station)
My five days in Japan can be summarized by culture shock. I did not expect the rigidness and perfect order that rule Japan. Raised in the chaotic European world with Caribbean warm and loving attitude, it was a real adjustment to the square attitude I experienced over there.
People were really nice and helpful, although one out of 30 people spoke English (don't believe those who say english is spoken everywhere, False!). My numerous adventure trips in the Japanese only subway system was memorable as I did not get lost! I have to say that I never realized how disorganized and chaotic we are in America or Europe.
I saw people standing behind the actual yellow line while waiting for the subway or the escalator in Tokyo. No one sat in the reserved seats at the airport and would rather stand up while waiting for boarding. In Paris, people will push you out of the way if you are too slow, handicaped, or pushing a stroller.
I have to admit that my biggest disapointment was the food. I came to the conclusion that if you don't want to splurge, you won't eat well. I was always spoiled by travel destination offering me full plate of delicious delicacies for 5 dollars. I could not even buy a key chain for that price in Tokyo, never the less sushi or steaks.
So I lost 4 pounds feeding on French biscuits and water. I also walked a lot, so I guess that helped. My favorite day was Sunday in Yoyogi Park, where family, friends and artists come together to spend the day. From laying on the grass to playing sports and showcasing talents, the ambiance was really joyful and relaxed. The group of rock and roll fanatic was my favorite.
I was also surprised at what the media use as a portrayal of Japanese women. I have to admit I was expecting Manga look alike everywhere, ready to pull a Sailor Moon move on me... but it was more an exception than the norm.
Quite the opposite, most Japanese woman were really fashionista, trotting in high heels boots with their Channel and Hermes bags at hands and their Gucci oversized sunglasses.
I produced my first documentary over the sumer 2011 on art in miami. It was commissioned by PBS. Yes, it is Andy garcia hosting the whole piece that was part of PBS Fall Art Serie. It will soon be online, so I can share it with you.
I went out big this year. I love costumes, so Halloween is always the perfect occasion for me to dress up. I also craved for Twix and Crunch, so perfect excuse to eat some. Halloween started at Bongos Friday night for my girlfriend's birthday. I was a Saloon girl. The next day was the party of the year in Midtown! Back to Black. A Go Big Halloween Costume Event, featuring world renowned dance music DJ/Producers Sebastian Ingrosso, Erick Morillo, Bob Sinclar, Alesso, LA Riots, and Patrick M. I was a pirate that day. I danced non stop from 7 pm till midnight. The crowd was amazing and the costumes were original and ultra sexy. See album here The rain did not stop people from coming to the party. Close to 6000 people showed up to jump and dance to teh sounds of those great DJs.
Monday night, the actual Halloween day, the thunderstorm discouraged many from hitting Lincoln road as usual, but I braved the weather and reached South Beach around 9 p.m. Not a drop of water fell down the sky all night. Greemlins, pirates, sexy cops, Mairo Bros and Luidgi, Snow White, Vampires and more showed up to crowd the street that had each intersections closed to traffic, which made it safe for pedestrians. I was the Black Swan that night.
I still do no undertsand why people bring their children to Lincoln road ont hat night. the crowd is drunk and loud, and basically too outrageous for young audience. Seeing little 3 years old being crushed by the crowd trying to squeeze between restaurant tables infuraites me. Watching 4 year old brush face with people wearing fake penises as costumes is not my idea of trick or treat for children.
For Lincoln Road pictures, click here. This is the Back to Black party
Now that the carnival season is over, I can finally focused on something else. Halloween! I do spend my life excited at the idea of dressing up, but I guess I will make one lucky man happy one day then! Seriously speaking, Miami Carnival 2011 was a great experience as usual, despite the thunderstorm which did not succeed at cooling down all the masqueraders who took the Sun Life Stadium by storm. I played with Ascension mas this year and the experience was amazing. A smaller band that gave me the opportunity to see every section and don't feel overwhelmed by the crowd. The Djs were awesome, from D'Bandit to Double 12. I had a blast dancing, singing, jumping up and down for 12 hours as we crossed the stage close to midnight. The women were beautiful and not afraid of having a good times. We dances with the crowds, the 15 guys who were in the band, the volunteers, the pole, the truck, the bar, the banner.. everything we could find! I cannot get tired of doing it all over again every year. I chose the Red Lion section as I never played in black before and I loved the back-piece that I used like wings all day. Each girl in my section had a different version of the costumes (see above), and they were all beautiful. We had a blast. Costumes designer Bridgett Milligan was wearing marbled Parrot front line and she personalized it with a corset which was so cute and sexy. She designed each section and build the costumes as well. The food was one of my favorite part as it was hot (most bands serve cold food), and good. Rice and peas and stew chicken and vegetables gave me enough energy to keep going until the end. See for yourself Ascension in video
I just love it and won't apologize for it! I don't know if it is the sequins, the feathers, the dancing in the streets half naked, or the Soca music blasting from the speakers...Maybe it is simply a combination of everything.
October 9th, 2011 at the Miami Sun Life Stadium...This is where everyone in Miami who has wondered about Carnival needs to be. This is NOT Calle Ocho carnival.
This is a Caribbean event with bands representing people from Trinidad, Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Haiti,Barbados, St Lucia, Belize and much more...
This year I chose to play with Ascension, a new band out of Miami with band leaders from different Caribbean nations. I don't know which costumes to choose from yet! So I need some help!
their theme is Eau de Vie, water of life....
The whole day event culminates in the stadium with the competition of the year, which is now held by Generation X.
So which one should I get????
As soon as I heard bring your "upscale Caribbean awesomeness", I knew I had to
put Freedom Friday in my weekly calendar. The Happy Hour located at the Solare Garden in Doral launches on March 2nd. So I can' t wait to taste the pepper shrimp, fried fish and roti after a long day at work.
What seems to be my one millionth meeting with my realtor took an unexpected turn today.
So I started with the roasted garlic , spinach and artichoke dip while my realtor had the shrimtini, chilled shrimp served in a martini glass with roasted tomato coktail sauce and fresh lemon.
he bill: $20 for the 5 items. The dessert on its own cost more money than the food.
I woke up one day and decided to take a trip overseas. Japan and Hong Kong were my choices. Knowing my collegue friend lived in Japan, I knew it would be a great way to visit Tokyo as he knew his way around. After a lonnnng trip and many movies in the plane from Miami to Nareta airport in Japan, I took the bullet train that brought me in the heart of Tokyo, at the Nippori station where Albert met me. (it took him 45 minutes to find the only non Asian looking woman in the station)
want to splurge, you won't eat well. I was always spoiled by travel destination offering me full plate of delicious delicacies for 5 dollars. I could not even buy a key chain for that price in Tokyo, never the less sushi or steaks. 
ogi Park, where family, friends and artists come together to spend the day. From laying on the grass to playing sports and showcasing talents, the ambiance was really joyful and relaxed. The group of rock and roll fanatic was my favorite.
I was also surprised at what the media use as a portrayal of Japanese women. I have to admit I was expecting Manga look alike everywhere, ready to pull a Sailor Moon move on me... but it was more an exception than the norm.
The next day was the party of the year in Midtown! Back to Black. A Go Big Halloween Costume Event, featuring world renowned dance music DJ/Producers Sebastian Ingrosso, Erick Morillo, Bob Sinclar, Alesso, LA Riots, and Patrick M. I was a pirate that day.
I danced non stop from 7 pm till midnight. The crowd was amazing and the costumes were original and ultra sexy. See album here The rain did not stop people from coming to the party. Close to 6000 people showed up to jump and dance to teh sounds of those great DJs.
Now that the carnival season is over, I can finally focused on something else. Halloween!
Each girl in my section had a different version of the costumes (see above), and they were all beautiful. We had a blast. Costumes designer Bridgett Milligan was wearing marbled Parrot front line and she personalized it with a corset which was so cute and sexy. 
She designed each section and build the costumes as well. The food was one of my favorite part as it was hot (most bands serve cold food), and good. Rice and peas and stew chicken and vegetables gave me enough energy to keep going until the end. See for yourself Ascension in video
I just love it and won't apologize for it! I don't know if it is the sequins, the feathers, the dancing in the streets half naked, or the Soca music blasting from the speakers...Maybe it is simply a combination of everything.
