Miami Monday…Shortcut to Fabulous Wynwood Dining Experience

This weekend, I had the opportunity to visit the Wynwood District’s newest hip eatery, Joeys. The restaurant is tucked in the heart of the Wynwood Art district. The neighborhood may not be the best, but there is plenty of free street parking right in front of the restaurant and free valet. The restaurant has quite a following, so reservations are recommended. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. The inside is quaint, hip and modern, but not pretentious. There is an amazing mosaic tiled wall with Michaelangelo’s David (sadly,only his face) tiled to the right side. Bring a sweater if you reserve indoors, because the restaurant is chilly!

The wine menu has a pretty good selection. I ordered a glass of the Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco and I loved it! There is nothing better than a good meal with a bubbly wine, good company and someone else paying the tab!

On to the starters. We started with the Soup of the Day, a creamy zucchini and eggplant soup with great flavor; and Bruschetta Caprese mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil and oregano on pizza bread. I wasn’t in love with the pizza bread, it lacked flavor and the texture kind of mimicked the cheese on toast my mom would make for me as a child.

For the entree, I ordered the Ricotta and spinach Ravioli with cream and salmon, which was the perfect blend of rich decadence and wonderful flavor. The salmon flavor was not overwhelming and added the perfect punch to the creamy sauce. The chef used real salmon, which was a nice surprise. My table mates ordered pizzas, the Vegetariana: tomato, mozzarella, assorted grilled vegetables and the Thea: gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, truffle oil, topped with arugula. The pizzas had nice flavor and a nice crunch crust, but the rest of the pizza was a little floppy for my taste. I would stick with the pasta dishes here, as they are divine and seem to be Joeys specialty.

For dessert, I am happy to report a great selection of yummies to suit every taste is available. We ordered chocolate cake topped with marscapone cheese and chocolate chips….pure yum on a plate, a fig tart…D-I-V-I-N-E and mango sorbet which was fresh and fully of mango flavor.

Overall, I give this restaurant four yums out of five. We had a fabulous meal with two starters, three entrees, three desserts and three glasses of wine for under $100. The menu has interesting and flavorful items and the prices relative upscale dining experience make Joeys a good value and a great night out!

So,reserve a table at Joeys make a night of it and enjoy this shortcut to fabulous food!

Joeys
2506 NW 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
305.438.0488
http://www.joeyswynwood.com

Miami Monday…Shortcut to Fabulous All-Star Basketball

Miami is elated with the signing of Dwayne Wade and Lebron James to its roster. So, imagine the energy in the American Airlines arena this Sunday night, July 18, 2010 when the Carnival Cruise Lines Summer Groove All-Star Basketball Game kicks off. NBA Champions Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade as they host the annual All-Star Basketball Game at the AmericanAirlines Arena. The hottest game of the summer is jam-packed with entertainment, a highly anticipated half-time show, fun contests, interaction with top players in the league, and many opportunities to win great prizes! Click here to order tickets.

So, get ready for some great basketball and enjoy this shortcut to fabulous fanfare b-ball style!

Miami Monday…Shortcut to a Fabulous Financial Future!

Experian has ranked America’s cities in terms of top debt holders. The ranking is based on straight up consumer debt, so Mortgage debt doesn’t count. Click here to see the list. As you can see, Miami has made the top 20, a ranking that is definitely not one to be proud of. There are plenty of things you can do to reduce your spending, pay down your debt if you have any and start saving for retirement. Luckily, Miami has a whole host of free or nearly free activities and here is a short list:

• Join the Dade County Public Library. It is so simple. Click here, fill out an application online, print out the application and take it into any Dade County library branch. In under five minutes you will have a library card and access to free books and even DVD’s, including new releases. You can search for book titles and movie titles online and see which branch has your favorites and even reserve online! This can save you some major cash on entertainment. So, cancel your Netflix subscription and HBO and start checking your movies out for free from the Miami Dade County Public Library. Check out their calendar of events too, because they have a ton of free events including dance workshops, language workshops and more!
• Quit the gym and look for free/cheap activities. The Miami Dade Public Parks system has a whole host of activities that are free or nearly free to get you moving, including walking clubs, soccer clubs for adults and more. Click here to check out what they have to offer.
• Find the cheap movie theaters.  The theater of choice for S2F staffers who are trying to save a buck is the Le Jeune Cinema 6. Almost half the price of other theaters around town, this theater located in an Ocean Bank building near the airport will give you the feel good movie feeling without emptying your wallet.
• Print coupons at Redplum.com. Just enter your zip code and they will give you the deals.

So, tighten your belt and your wallet and enjoy this shortcut to fabulous financial freedom!

Miami Monday…Shortcuts to Fabulous Spa Deals all over town

For the third year, Greater Miami Convention & Bureau is bringing us Miami Spa Month, which runs from July 1 through July 31, 2010. You can enjoy special treatments for $99 at Miami’s premier spas, such as the Biltmore Spa in the Gables, The Standard Spa on the beach and our favorite spa in town, Emena Spa in the Design District. Click here to see participating spas and the treatments that are included for Miami Spa Month.

So, gather some girlfriends, call a participating spa and plan a shortcut to fabulous relaxing spa day for $99!

Miami Monday…Shortcut to Fabulous Mozart in Coral Gables

This is the last week to enjoy the Mainly Mozart Festival in the Westin Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables. There will be a Mozart for Children Concert on June 26, 2010, 4 P.M. The concert is free for children and accompanying adults! On June 27, 2010 there will be a concert at 4:30 P.M. featuring Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 1; concerto movements by Mozart, Paganini, & Tchaikowsky; showpieces by Paganini, Chopin, Wieniawski, & Szymanowski. Click here to visit the Mainly Mozart website and order tickets.

So, add some culture to your life and enjoy this shortcut to fabulous Mozart and more!

Miami Monday…Shortcut to Fabulous Baby Clothes

In honor of my friend A, who will be welcoming her little one to the world very soon, this week’s shortcut pertains to everything for babie. The cute baby boutique, Baby Posh Garage sells gently used, high-end baby items and clothes which will save you money and help to save our planet and reduce unnecessary waste. The store is located at 18060 West Dixie Highway / Aventura, FL 33160. If you have a baby, consider consigning your stuff and stash some cash in junior’s college fund. Because they are in-tune with a mom’s crazy lifestyle, they have a free pick up service! Click here to visit the store’s website and learn more about it! Oh and they host and sponsor fun events for you and your little ones, so be sure to check out the website.

So, forward this to all the Miami Moms you know and enjoy this shortcut to fabulous baby bonanza!

Miami Monday…Shortcut to Fabulous Coral Gables dining!

Today is the start of Coral Gables Restaurant week, which runs from June 7, 2010 through June 20, 2010. Click here to see what Coral Gables eateries are participating and the menus on tap. Restaurants that are participating include Flemings Steakhouse, Ortanique on the Mile, Morton’s, Bangkok Bangkok, Anacapri, Bugatti and more!

So, call all your friends, start making dinner plans and enjoy this shortcut to fabulous food finds!

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