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Beer Drinker Rob

Argentina Wine Tasting Miami 2013

Last night I attended a wine tasting and reception designed to highlight and promote the wines of Argentina. Consejo Federal De Inversiones, a federal trade organization from Argentina, along with NewLink Communications, hosted 12 wineries for the event held at the St. Regis Hotel in Bal Harbour. After a tough afternoon shopping at Tifffany’s (not), my wife and I walked over from the cheap public parking lot to the venue.

We were welcomed at the door by Teresa Villarreal, the Tourism VP at NewLink. She let us know what we could expect from each of the wineries at this trade show. And she was totally on spot. Many if not most were looking for Importers or Distributors to start or expand their wine presence within the US, Florida being a potential new market.

My wife and I visited each of the wine exhibitors and learned about their product lines while tasting one or two wines from each of them. We had a few favorites which I will mention below, but each winery was engaging with their story and passionate about their wines. And really, there wasn’t a wine I tasted all night that wasn’t really good.

There was plenty of light food as well to balance all the wine. Ham, prosciutto, salami, cheese, risotto, ceviche, veggies and desserts, all very nicely prepared. We stopped by at least a few times in between the tastings. There was also a live band, violinist and all, though they didn’t really play very long. They just seemed to disappear after a few songs. And I didn’t even get to dance!

Apogeo was our first stop and their 2010 Malbec remained one of our favorites throughout the evening. Lightly spicy, smooth, rich, well balanced, great start. We were given a handkerchief with the winery name embroidered on it as a souvenir, a nice touch.

Another favorite was from the Bodega Del Desierto winery, their Desierto Pampa 2009 Malbec. Very spicy, smooth, nice tannins. We were told by the representative that you can purchase these wines online at The Country Vintner.

La Riojana Co-Op had two wines that we liked, one a fair-trade Malbec called Ecologica; however, we decided that we enjoyed the Malbec Reserva a lot more. It was quite fruity with excellent cherry flavors.

The representative from Don Cristobal was very nice and had a lot of great information about their winery. We tried their Triana, a blend of Malbec, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The cherry and spicy flavors along with a touch of oak were delicious!

Other wineries represented were Valcosta Estate, Bodegas La Guarda, Gouguenheim Winery, Muñoz de Toros Wines, Bodega Carelli, Rewen Estate, Mauricio Lorca, and Bodegas San Huberto. If you are in the wine business and looking to work with any of these wineries, don’t hesitate to contact them. They are eager to hear from you.

Thank you to NewLink for the invitation and my buddy Ofelia for making sure I’m on the right lists. And thanks to several of the wineries for sending me home with a parting gift to check out at a later time.

I will close this article with one question… Were the baskets of bread on all the exhibitor tables for decoration or consumption? My wife said the bread at the exhibits was a decoration after I said the piece I had just eaten was hard as a rock, but I still told her that was bullshit. Not sure who was right though. Don’t tell her I said that.

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Graffiti Artist Futura Visits South Florida

Last Friday, Graffiti Artist Futura visited the North Miami Total Wine store. Futura started creating his graffiti art in the New York City subways of the 1970′s. His popularity grew to the point where he was touring with Punk Rockers The Clash, performing live graffiti backdrops as the band played. “So why was he in a liquor store in South Florida?” Excellent question, and the answer might not be what you thought.

Futura recently collaborated with Hennessy Cognacs to design a limited edition bottle for their VS product. I’m not really a graffiti aficionado, but the art is really colorful and interesting. Hennessy arranged a short bottle signing and tasting at Total Wine, and I was given an invitation to attend. You didn’t need an invite, but it was a nice touch.

I arrived early as prompted, with my cousin-in-law. We were first in line, too, typical. Hennessy didn’t just have a table and pen for this guy either. There were at least 4 or 5 models, a DJ, some decorations, some swag, velvet ropes to assist this giant bodyguard in protecting Futura (you know how rowdy Total Wine customers can be).

Anyway, I took a bunch of pictures, had Futura sign my bottle, a gift box and my newly acquired Hennessy cap. He was a soft-spoken guy, appreciative of fans coming down to support him and gracious and patient with the photographers. So I guess I can cross off “meet famous graffiti artist” from my bucket list. How about you?

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Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge 2012

Last night I went to the Appleton Estate Bartender Challenge at The Blackbird Ordinary in Miami. Five bartenders had to create two drinks each and do so based on the inspiration of a particular song.

I’ve already written a detailed and more personal account of the evening on my blog, but I wanted to do a recap here to show you tons more pictures. Also, you know, because my bosses James and Annette were there and they are very demanding about my performance!

Local bartenders Cricket Nelson, Ben Clemons, Nick Nistico, Richie Petronzi and Rob Ferrara each created two unique cocktails featuring Appleton Reserve. The drinks were very complex and creative, and all of the competitors really went all out with their performances. My favorite drink on the night was Richie Petronzi’s Die Die My Darling, though I enjoyed all of them.

In the end, the judges voted to send Ben Clemons to New York for the US Finals, with that winner going to Jamaica for an international competition. I met a lot of fun people, stumbled into some old friends, and drank rum with Rum Royalty.

I hope you enjoy these photos. They are about 10% of the ones I took. The rest are blurry and/or terrible. If you are giving free photography classes, please contact  me!

 

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Cirque du Soleil Dralion

New Year’s Eve 2010 I went to see Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza in downtown Miami. A few days later I was trolling around on Twitter and met my friend Ofelia over some of her photos of the event. We have other things in common, but our love of Cirque du Soleil still rides high in the book.

So when we saw that the Circus was coming to Bank Atlantic Center a few months ago, we coordinated to go with our families on the same day, and as it turned out, she and her husband and son were even seated in the same section as my wife and me. Yes, of course we started the afternoon off with an awesome meal at the Grand Lux Cafe at Sawgrass Mills Mall. Guess what? All Hispanics aren’t fashionably late, despite what you might have heard. And the mega rain was truly an excuse this time, not needed.

Anyway, I know this is about the show, but let me give a thumbs up for the restaurant. The reservation for 4 I gave yesterday was an unplanned test when I showed with 5 today. Way to handle it perfectly! My BBQ Baby Back Ribs were spectacular. And that creative slaw, fries and corn bread you baked were fabulous. Everyone else loved their food too! Thank you for not bitching or rolling your eyes when I asked you to split the already un-split check. I will be back! And I digged the dressy gators out front of the restaurant.

Bank Atlantic Center. Premium parking is a rip! For $45 I’d arrive in a limo with a hooker the escort we saw some fat dude with. Well even the $20 basic parking was a rip-off, but it was raining hard. Thank God, NO RED. I’m a Flyers fan. Our friend’s son had to chug his Gatorade or dump it before passing security. Jeez. Oh, now I see why? Gatorades are $5 yet still better priced than the $9 Heineken pounders. I bought nothing inside. My wife decided she needed a $5 coffee, but OK, nothing.

The show started promptly, as usual, with the Clowns joking around with the audience. Pretty standard, comic relief, and lots of laughs. (Do they do that in other cities or just in Miami where inconsiderate people show up to a professional show 20-30 minutes late? This isn’t a little league game). They also of course picked out one unsuspecting dude from the audience to get picked on. Very good sport.

The first half of the show was a little slow to be honest. Obviously the skills were difficult for every event, but Cirque has a very high standard to reach for the guy who’s seen a lot of them. Other audience members agreed. I overheard at least 3 or 4 dudes in the enormous dude restroom line say the same thing. Best part was the trampoline act where two guys and two gals took turns flipping off the roof of a house, running up walls, narrowly missing each other, back and forth drama. All the while, a woman sang in the middle of them on a balcony. Great choreography, no collisions, really cool.

The juggler had a rough day today. He started off with some sweet moves, rolling the balls around his body. He did some kind of ball break-dance with his arms and hands, also very cool. He had an assistant giving balls from a rope high above him. What more could a guy want? But his finale, 8 balls, didn’t go awesomely. His first try was the best but he didn’t complete the routine. Three tries. Honestly, I felt the task was impossible, but then again I drink beer and cognac and don’t juggle.  Was a strong routine, regardless!

The first half also sported lots of double-people dragons, which I’m sure took enormous coordination. Big pole balancing guys. There was a guy in an egg that did some rotations around and around, but I think we were expecting fast and not precise muscle moves. And some chick a few rows behind me almost got in deep doo-doo for turning on her cell phone camera toward the end. Jeez, some people.

After intermission, I could feel the people asking for high-energy entries. I felt the second half started slow as well. While I think the lady twirling on the blue curtains was very talented and ballsy, the segment went way too long. But I thought the Yo-yo chicks were absolutely terrific throwing yo-yos into the air, catching them, and a zillion other really cool tricks. High energy, big smiles, and a really amazing performance. My wife and I thought that one was great!

Let’s talk about the clowns. They were entertaining. No doubt, despite their French chatter. And I loved their parody and mocking of all the other performers in one particular skit they did. Was great. Even the “audience member” that we chatted about earlier finally was identified as part of the cast, a clown, yep. And he was so believable at “Average Joe” too! But in the end, the clowns were too much of the show, seriously.

Other favorites from the second half included the “Diving Through Rings” acrobats, very entertaining. And the finale, the Jump Rope dudes, amazing coordination, strength and timing.

Everyone loved the music and the band was introduced during the show as well. Love that they had their “pit” below the house and you could see them and lights from there throughout the show. The singers were great as usual, no doubt about it.

Overall impression: I really enjoyed myself. There is nothing like Cirque du Soleil. There are many other shows I’ve seen that I loved, while this one was just comme ci, comme ça. Happy I went. Merci for reading.

 

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Marlins Park: A Beer-Drinking, Philly-Fan’s Perspective

So I’m probably not the first person to write about going to the new Marlins Stadium. You know what? I don’t care. Let me give you the Philly guy version.

I just got home from a game where my Phillies lost, actually being swept by the Marlins this series. Phillies fans are hardened already to that always being a possibility, so whatever. Upon arriving back at my house, I cracked open my first beer of the day since I wasn’t able to locate anything edible at the stadium. Corona Light on tap? What that hell? I didn’t even know they did that!

I was told by a few locals that if I wanted to venture all the way behind home plate, I might find a cart with a Bud umbrella serving Kona Longboard or Firerock Pale Ale or Widmer Drifter Pale Ale. All for the bargain rate of $8 or $10 apiece. Pass! Anyway, I only made you go through that shitty beer tirade because I moonlight for this other website when I’m not raking in the dough at Soul of Miami. LOL.

So let’s make this about the new stadium and my experience. Keeping on theme, I arrived EARLY, at around noon for a 1:10 pm start. I pre-paid for lot parking since I wasn’t sure if I wanted to leave my car triple-parked in the yard of the guy with an iguana on his shoulder. You know, if you arrive a little early, you can park right by the stairs on the second level. Try it!

Unfortunately, playing catch and drinking beer and barbecuing  in the garage just seemed a little inappropriate. I’m pretty sure it was also illegal or at least I’d have been eventually asked to stop. Sun Life has a tremendous advantage over this place when it comes to traditional (and fun) tailgating. I didn’t smell one hot dog being grilled. Sucked!

The stadium was impressive from the outside. My kids were in awe even as we approached from the highway. As we walked toward the entrance, all we could see was a sea of red. Yeah, the Phillies may as well have been playing a home game or at least a neutrally-located game. Phils fans are the best. We gave our tickets and walked up about 60 or so stairs. I did see signs for elevators, but I need the extra exercise.

When we walked in, very cool. The presentation AND the temperature. 90+° outside, very comfortable inside. That retractable roof kicks ass! We found our seats in the Home Run Porch, another 40 or 50 steps up into the upper deck of the outfield. Again, there were elevators, but I think on the inside of the building, an escalator there would have been appropriate. There were not bathrooms or concessions or even shitty beer on that level, just A/C ducts. I like going up and down as much as the next guy, but this was ridiculous.

So we chilled and took some photos. They had the Clevelander and a swimming pool beyond the left field wall. Above that was a Budweiser bar. I was hoping they might be serving Goose Island, but it was more of the same crap. In center field, they had an artsy contraption that spins marlins and spits water when a Marlin hits a home run. Unfortunately, I got to see that in action a few times today.

Both of my kids said one thing that I was only thinking. Wowsa was the seating set-up STEEP! They didn’t even want to turn their backs to the field for a picture because they were nervous of falling backwards. By the end of the game though, we all felt we were watching in our living room, like a bunch of actual baseball players were performing for us alone. Was cool. And every seat in the house was solid, though not accounted for today.

Typical baseball game. They opened the roof afterwards which was pretty fun to see. Nice facility. Beats the hell out of sweating at Sun Life or anywhere outdoors in Miami. The roof was the best part and made for a comfortable experience. The Marlins should totally hire at least one additional person per exit to sweep up all the cigarette butts that I had to practically wade through on stairs exiting the stadium, the same ones I was happy to use as exercise on the way up. Was disgusting. Seriously, not just a few, it was deep.

Anyway, enjoyable because of the temperature. But I can’t forget it’s more out of my (and everyone in Broward and Palm Beach) way, the higher priced tickets, by almost double, and the no tailgating/baseball/chilling with people experience that should be part of every game. Probably won’t go back this season.

 

 

 

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Broward County Sheriff’s Community Day: Miramar, Florida

Yesterday I was headed to Home Depot to buy a new garbage disposal. Yeah, I know. Saturday Fun Day! On the way across Miramar Parkway, I saw some of those digital signs set up by the police, advertising a meet Sheriff Al Lamberti and Chief Keith Dunn event at Super Target. My kids read the sign too and asked if they could go, mainly so they could chat about Pokemon cards inside. And I said OK. I guess the point of an event like this is to showcase the local and county police departments, while being accessible to the community citizens in a fun and easy-going environment.

On the far side of Target’s parking lot was a pretty impressive display of police talents and vehicles. I personally loved the old-fashioned Miramar police car (and its engine). Yes, a cop was stationed next to it supervising. The sports car and souped-up muscle cars revving were also pretty cool. There were also children painting a fire truck right next to it.

Moving on, my children both loved the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat of a Broward Sheriff’s helicopter! We learned about the bomb squad robot and were able to control the camera on it. Anyone for a chance to stand on and poke your head out of a Swat Team armored vehicle? Damn Straight!

Mounted Police? Yeah, but for some reason my kids didn’t want to rub the horses’ heads. We were on our way inside when we saw that Target had a person dressed like their mascot Bullseye. My little one ran away from it (like he did to Chuck E Cheese today), and when the mascot threw its arms up in disbelief, I gave it a big hug! I think that shocked the dog! Also shocking, my children skipped the free cotton candy. Hmmm. Very fun.

Inside, some informational booths, some chicken by Chick-fil-A, and a bunch of media stuff. You never saw so many police officers in one place. Good thing they were all so friendly. Nice impromptu (for us) event.

 

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Vizcaya Park Grand Opening in Miramar

Vizcaya Park in Miramar was officially opened this past weekend. I’ve been chronicling the park’s construction over the past few years, as it’s been turned from a desert where we used to fly kites to the awesome park it is today. And these past few years are just the tip of the waiting. For a decade or more, including all the time I’ve lived in the nearby Vizcaya community, Commissioner Troy Samuels has been pushing for the creation of this park.

On Saturday, he got his wish as Mayor Lori Moseley opened the park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Vizcaya Park is located at the end of Honey Hill Road, west of Flamingo, 14200 SW 55th Street, right on the county line. There are several fields for soccer and baseball, playgrounds, basketball courts, and a community center. The Mayor explained that the building and entire facilities were made to be on the cutting edge environmentally. The building, for example, was built with 20% recycled materials, and the fields and drainage systems were designed to maximize water usage.

I personally can’t wait to visit frequently, probably to use the game room and beat my kids in foosball. There are banquet rooms available and a computer room as well. And there will be some clubs and summer camps meeting there. Here is the website for Miramar Parks in general, as I didn’t see that the park has its own website yet. The number to call for more information about Vizcaya Park, according to the resident letter, is (954) 602-3167.

 

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Schnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery

I recently visited Schnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery in Homestead, Florida. I was there of course to check out their wines, all of which are made with tropical fruits, like guava, mango, carambola and coconut. And no grapes! But Schnebly’s also recently started brewing craft beers, very interesting ones, also with tropical fruits. I was able to try all of their beers and most of their wines, which I wrote about in more detail on my DailyBeerReview.com site. I will say that the creativity and uniqueness of this family business are off the chart.

President Mauricio Mejia took 30 minutes of his time to speak to us (Ed Roberts arranged that). We talked about what the future holds for the brewery now that they have brewed a few batches of each beer and were ready to start distributing. Mauricio said that they would start with Key West, distributing in kegs first, then would consider bottling and canning. You could tell that the brewery has a careful plan to bring their beers to the market. You could also see the pride that Mauricio, Marketing Manager David, and all of the staff had for their products. They all made us feel and home and very welcome.

I’d certainly recommend taking a trip down to check out their facilities. They have a beautiful tasting room, really nice property, areas for weddings and receptions and parties, just a fabulous space. Schnebly’s is family friendly and they encourage picnics and just relaxing while you visit.

They can be found at:

Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery
30205 SW 217th Avenue
Homestead, FL 33030
Toll-Free: (888) 717-WINE
Phone: (305) 242-1224

 

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Due South Brewing Company Grand Opening

The long-awaited Grand Opening of Due South Brewing Company took place this past Saturday, 5/12/12.  The event took place at the brewery, a massive warehouse in Boynton Beach, Florida. The brewery is not a brewpub, where you would go to have dinner as well. Due South is rather a full-scale production brewery that will be distributing its beers to retailers. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t go to the brewery and check out their beers. There is a tasting room for you to do just that. You can even catch a baseball game on the TV if you are so inclined.

The grand opening had hundreds of visitors sampling five different beers from Due South and a handful from guest breweries Cigar City Brewing, Tequesta Brewing and  Swamphead Brewing. The offerings from Due South included Category 3 IPA, Southern Saison, Honey Vanilla Wheat, Caramel Cream Ale and Roasted Cocoa Stout. My personal favorites were the Category 3 IPA and Southern Saison. You can read a little more about my thoughts on each as well as see some other goofing around here if you are interested.

Outside, there were four food trucks to order food from, which is encouraged by the brewery. Several other bar owners and brewers were in attendance, and it’s always great to see the local beer people supporting each other. It was a fun evening for everyone and a great springboard for Due South to get their brewery and beers out to the masses.

The brewery should be found at…

Due South Brewing Company

2900 High Ridge Road #3

Boynton Beach, FL 33426

(561) 463-2337

DueSouthAles.com

 

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American Craft Beer Week in South Florida

American Craft Beer Week is arriving soon, May 14-20, 2012. This is a week-long celebration across the country, promoted by the Brewer’s Association in an effort to highlight independent breweries and their beers.

Guess what? South Florida is an active participant in this event. Though I am often a homebody, I’m going to try to hit up a few events this year. To guide you through some of the best and biggest of these events, I suggest you go visit MikeLovesBeer.com, bookmark the page forever, visit his calendar and follow every word the guy says.

You might want to visit The Local Craft if you’re interested in Belgian-style beers or just love Brewery Ommegang on 5/14. Live up in Palm Beach County? Total Wine is having a beer and cheese pairing the same day. Dade, Broward, Palm Beach will all be very busy. Cervezas, Tap 42, Funky Buddha, Coffee District, Maxi’s, Laser Wolf, World of Beer, Lou’s Beer Garden and dozens of others will have excellent beer, themed pairings, tap takeovers, great food and entertainment.

Oh, and if you think you don’t like beer and prefer wine or scotch or whatever, give these events a chance. I am positive you will be impressed. Let me know what events you hit and send me pictures too.

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