Miami Fly 4th of July special
4th of July activities Florida Miami St. Augustine
Fabulous 4th of July Events in FLORIDA
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
MIAMI
Starting in my backyard, Coconut Grove will feature a full-day affair of festivities. There is something for everyone, young and old. The day kicksoff at 11am with an old-fashioned picnic at the Barnacle Historic State park (3485 Main Highway. Admission is $5 for individuals 12 and an older.
No excuse not to get some physical exercise. Join the lawn games, kite making and knot-tying demonstrations.
Can't wait for Halloween to unleash your creativity? Attendees are encouraged to dress up in clothing from the time period of our independence and bring a picnic lunch.
Enjoy solving puzzles? At 3:15pm join the Scavenger Hunt at the Bull sculpture at the Mayfair Passage on Grand Avenue near Mary Street.
Art Lovers can head over to the Antique Marketplace.
How much do you love to eat? How much do you love hot dogs? Show off your eating prowess at the gourmet hot dog eating contest at 4:30pm in front of CocoWalk (hot dogs donated by Pommes & Pane Cafe, 3015 Grand Avenue).
A prelude to the fireworks is ta free concert at the Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Road.
The sounds of jazz will lead up to the fireworks around 9pm. Just find a clearing from the gove trees and look up to the sky.
ST. AUGUSTINE
SAND SCULPTING CLASSES AT ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH
Come learn how to make great sandcastles. In preparation for the City of St. Augustine Beach’s 50th Birthday sand sculpting contest on November 7, there will be sand sculpting classes for kids of all ages the first Saturday of every month through October. These family-fun instructional sessions take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the beach in front of Ocean Trace Ramp at St. Augustine Beach . The classes are free and open to the public. For more information, call 904.501.1253 or email Melissa@citygateproductions.com, or visit http://www.50thbeachbirthday.com/.
PINE SNAKES, HORSESHOE CRABS and RED KNOTS
Visit the GTM Environmental Education Center and join Research Reserve Visitor Services Specialist Jake Fitzroy at 11 a.m. for an informative presentation about the Pine Snake. Also, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., the movie Crash: A Tale of Two Species will be shown. This film portrays the fascinating relationship between horseshoe crabs and the red knot, a small shorebird that schedules its 10,000 mille annual migration to coincide with the spawning of the crabs in Delaware Bay . The GTM Environmental Education Center is located at 505 Guana River Road , approximately 8 miles north of Vilano Beach in Ponte Vedra South. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 10-17, children under 10 free. For more information, call 904.823.4500.
ST. AUGUSTINE’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Have a blast at one of the East Coast’s largest fireworks shows! The spectacular fireworks burst above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflect in the waters of Matanzas Bay . The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a free, patriotic concert by the All Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitucion. At 9:30 p.m., the 20-minute fireworks show blasts into the night sky to the accompaniment of a stirring soundtrack of great patriotic music simulcast on WFOY/1240-AM. Admission is free with the best vantage points located along the bayfront between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions . For more details, call 904.825.1004.
4TH OF JULY ABOARD THE VICTORY III
Hop aboard St. Augustine Scenic Cruises’ Victory III for the best seats in town for the Oldest City ’s 2009 fireworks display on Matanzas Bay . The Victory III will begin boarding at 8:15 p.m. and depart the City Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Space is limited advance ticket purchase required. For more information or to order your tickets, call 904.824.1806 ext 210, or go to: http://www.scenic-cruise.com/
4th OF JULY AT SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY
Sip on award-winning Florida wines and listen to great music while watching a star-spangled display of July 4th fireworks above the skyline of the Nation’s oldest city. The San Sebastian Winery’s Cellar Upstairs, 157 King Street , will host a festive holiday atmosphere throughout the evening. From 2 to 5 p.m., Sentropolis, will be performing funk and hard groove tunes and from 7 to 11 p.m. The Committee will entertain guests with a mix of R&B, funk and jazz. Admission to The Cellar Upstairs is free! For more information, call 904.826.1594 or visit http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/.
4TH OF JULY ROOFTOP CELEBRATION AT THE WHITE ROOM
Come celebrate our nation’s independence at the grand opening of The White Room’s Loft and Rooftop and enjoy the fireworks with the best view in town while dancing the night away. Throughout the evening, live entertainment from jazz and American classics will be performed. Dinner package is $50 and includes buffet dinner and open bar from 7-10 p.m. (RSVP only). The party package is $30 (cash only at the door) begins at 9 p.m. and includes an open bar until midnight (cash bar after). The White Room is located on the third floor of 1 King Street in St. Augustine . For more information, reservations for the Dinner Package or pre-payment for the Party Package, call 904.824.9056.
4th OF JULY ABOARD THE BLACK RAVEN
Come aboard if ye dare for a blast of a good time aboard the Black Raven. The Black Raven will be departing from the St. Augustine Marina for a sail about the Matanzas Bay for this year’s spectacular fireworks display. Boarding is at 8 p.m. and the Raven departs at 8:15 p.m. Tickets, which includes light snacks and a beer or wine are $55 per person. For more information and reservations call 877.578.5050 or 904.826.0000 or visit http://www.blackravenadventures.com/.
4TH OF JULY TOP OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
Celebrate the 4th of July at the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse with a magnificent view of the skyline and the fireworks. This memorable event begins with a sunset view. Then when darkness sets…… spectacular fireworks! Tickets are $40 per person and space is limited. For reservations call 904.829.0745 ext. 207. For more information, visit http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/.
Tell us which Florida city this year has the best celebration and/or fireworks! Send me an email to christine.michaels@yahoo.com and send in your pictures or video and I'll feature it on this blog!!! Be sure to leave a contact email or phone number. Deadline is July 11, 2007
Starting in my backyard, Coconut Grove will feature a full-day affair of festivities. There is something for everyone, young and old. The day kicksoff at 11am with an old-fashioned picnic at the Barnacle Historic State park (3485 Main Highway. Admission is $5 for individuals 12 and an older.
No excuse not to get some physical exercise. Join the lawn games, kite making and knot-tying demonstrations.
Can't wait for Halloween to unleash your creativity? Attendees are encouraged to dress up in clothing from the time period of our independence and bring a picnic lunch.
Enjoy solving puzzles? At 3:15pm join the Scavenger Hunt at the Bull sculpture at the Mayfair Passage on Grand Avenue near Mary Street.
Art Lovers can head over to the Antique Marketplace.
How much do you love to eat? How much do you love hot dogs? Show off your eating prowess at the gourmet hot dog eating contest at 4:30pm in front of CocoWalk (hot dogs donated by Pommes & Pane Cafe, 3015 Grand Avenue).
A prelude to the fireworks is ta free concert at the Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Road.
The sounds of jazz will lead up to the fireworks around 9pm. Just find a clearing from the gove trees and look up to the sky.
ST. AUGUSTINE
SAND SCULPTING CLASSES AT ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH
Come learn how to make great sandcastles. In preparation for the City of St. Augustine Beach’s 50th Birthday sand sculpting contest on November 7, there will be sand sculpting classes for kids of all ages the first Saturday of every month through October. These family-fun instructional sessions take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the beach in front of Ocean Trace Ramp at St. Augustine Beach . The classes are free and open to the public. For more information, call 904.501.1253 or email Melissa@citygateproductions.com, or visit http://www.50thbeachbirthday.com/.
PINE SNAKES, HORSESHOE CRABS and RED KNOTS
Visit the GTM Environmental Education Center and join Research Reserve Visitor Services Specialist Jake Fitzroy at 11 a.m. for an informative presentation about the Pine Snake. Also, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., the movie Crash: A Tale of Two Species will be shown. This film portrays the fascinating relationship between horseshoe crabs and the red knot, a small shorebird that schedules its 10,000 mille annual migration to coincide with the spawning of the crabs in Delaware Bay . The GTM Environmental Education Center is located at 505 Guana River Road , approximately 8 miles north of Vilano Beach in Ponte Vedra South. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 10-17, children under 10 free. For more information, call 904.823.4500.
ST. AUGUSTINE’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Have a blast at one of the East Coast’s largest fireworks shows! The spectacular fireworks burst above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflect in the waters of Matanzas Bay . The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a free, patriotic concert by the All Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitucion. At 9:30 p.m., the 20-minute fireworks show blasts into the night sky to the accompaniment of a stirring soundtrack of great patriotic music simulcast on WFOY/1240-AM. Admission is free with the best vantage points located along the bayfront between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions . For more details, call 904.825.1004.
4TH OF JULY ABOARD THE VICTORY III
Hop aboard St. Augustine Scenic Cruises’ Victory III for the best seats in town for the Oldest City ’s 2009 fireworks display on Matanzas Bay . The Victory III will begin boarding at 8:15 p.m. and depart the City Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Space is limited advance ticket purchase required. For more information or to order your tickets, call 904.824.1806 ext 210, or go to: http://www.scenic-cruise.com/
4th OF JULY AT SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY
Sip on award-winning Florida wines and listen to great music while watching a star-spangled display of July 4th fireworks above the skyline of the Nation’s oldest city. The San Sebastian Winery’s Cellar Upstairs, 157 King Street , will host a festive holiday atmosphere throughout the evening. From 2 to 5 p.m., Sentropolis, will be performing funk and hard groove tunes and from 7 to 11 p.m. The Committee will entertain guests with a mix of R&B, funk and jazz. Admission to The Cellar Upstairs is free! For more information, call 904.826.1594 or visit http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/.
4TH OF JULY ROOFTOP CELEBRATION AT THE WHITE ROOM
Come celebrate our nation’s independence at the grand opening of The White Room’s Loft and Rooftop and enjoy the fireworks with the best view in town while dancing the night away. Throughout the evening, live entertainment from jazz and American classics will be performed. Dinner package is $50 and includes buffet dinner and open bar from 7-10 p.m. (RSVP only). The party package is $30 (cash only at the door) begins at 9 p.m. and includes an open bar until midnight (cash bar after). The White Room is located on the third floor of 1 King Street in St. Augustine . For more information, reservations for the Dinner Package or pre-payment for the Party Package, call 904.824.9056.
4th OF JULY ABOARD THE BLACK RAVEN
Come aboard if ye dare for a blast of a good time aboard the Black Raven. The Black Raven will be departing from the St. Augustine Marina for a sail about the Matanzas Bay for this year’s spectacular fireworks display. Boarding is at 8 p.m. and the Raven departs at 8:15 p.m. Tickets, which includes light snacks and a beer or wine are $55 per person. For more information and reservations call 877.578.5050 or 904.826.0000 or visit http://www.blackravenadventures.com/.
4TH OF JULY TOP OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
Celebrate the 4th of July at the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse with a magnificent view of the skyline and the fireworks. This memorable event begins with a sunset view. Then when darkness sets…… spectacular fireworks! Tickets are $40 per person and space is limited. For reservations call 904.829.0745 ext. 207. For more information, visit http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/.
Tell us which Florida city this year has the best celebration and/or fireworks! Send me an email to christine.michaels@yahoo.com and send in your pictures or video and I'll feature it on this blog!!! Be sure to leave a contact email or phone number. Deadline is July 11, 2007
As promised from my first visit, I did return to the Blu Pizza e Cucina restaurant in Mary Brickell Village and this time we sat indoors and tried the famous pizza. My friend Lisa had just returned with her husband from Italy where she introduced me (years ago) to the most seductive, delicious pizza in the world in Sorrento, Italy. When she called me and told me about her recent trip she mentioned she was on a mission to find "the best pizza in Miami". Then I remembered about our pending return to Blu Pizza. Let the mission begin!It's Saturday night and we arrived just before 8pm. Once the special group of 20 people departed, the crowd was thinning and it lacked energy. The decor was earthy contemporary. The dining room was much smaller than we anticipated, a long narrow room as pictured above and below.
THE SERVICE: while we were seated right away given the slow night, oddly, once again it took some time before a waitstaff person shared the specials and asked for our drink order. This happened at our first visit back in December (click here to read the review) except that night was peak season in December. I wonder why the delay this visit? After we placed our order, the service picked up and Lisa and I were satisfied.
THE FOOD: Lisa, in fulfilling her mission, selected a plain cheese pizza with green leafy topping, the Burrata Pizza (tomatoe sauce, burrata cheese and basil). Hungry, I desired protein, I needed protein and chose a chicken dish "Blu Pollo". However, remembering the sensational pumpkin ravioli from our last visit, we decided to order a plate to share as an appetizer.
The pumpkin ravioli with bits of asparagus and pink vodka sauce was again--perfect. Al dente, with a subtle sweet burst of flavor with every bite. Price- $15.00. If you enjoy pasta and do not mind a mild sweet flavor versus a tangy tomato sauce, you must try this dish!
Burrata PizzaLisa gave high marks for this pizza. In fairness to the restaurant, she set aside the high standards of the pizza in Sorrento, Italy. Later in the evening, Mr. Luca Delogu, (who I later learned was the owner and well known restaurant manager) visited our table and shared with us the pizza was a Roman style pizza, utilizing different ingredients compared to other regions of Italy. In my research I learned Mr. Delogu is a native of Rome.
The Blu con Pollo PaniniThe description of my order read: Chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, mozzarella, Brie cheese, and white truffle olive oil.
Frankly, I was expecting a solid piece of chicken breast, not diced chicken. This was disappointing for the obvious reason that I was expecting more food (or chicken in this case). More importantly, given my special diet for medical reasons, I needed more protein. Thankfully I did not order wine that evening so I was safe. Aside from that, my dish was memorable.
After my first bite, clearly this recipe would not work with a solid piece of chicken. The tapestry of melted cheese and bits of chicken interlaced with sauteed mushrooms and crowned with white truffle olive oil on a bed of crispy, cheese crusted panini exceeded my overall expectations. It was divine.
I am officially inlove with truffle oil. More restaurants are cooking with this specialty oil to round out the combination of flavors.
My dish was also accompanied by a green, leafy salad with an oil vinaigrette. An appropriate light accoutrement for a filling starch and protein dish.
Throughout the dinner, more guests arrived. This uplifted the ambience and the manager commented that in the Brickell area, guests tend to dine later. As a resident of Brickell neighborhood myself, he was right.
THE PRICES: The prices are fair given the culinary, varied menu, service and location . Lisa's pizza was $13.00 and could easily feed two people.
Will I return? Absolutely. I recommend the outdoor patio although the humidity was clingy that night and indoor seating was the smart choice. After the rains, it cools off and outdoor dining is a must. If you're a late night eater, then indoor it is.
Parking: There is a parking garage on 10th street with reasonable prices and an elevator which opens in the same covered building. So in the event it rains, you're always protected. The cost to park is only $4.00 for under 2 hours. The first 30 minutes is FREE.
A great way to try their pizza is on Tuesdays. Right now Blu is offering a special of buy one pizza and get the second free of equal or lesser value. This is for dine in or take out. See the flyer below.
Blu Pizza e Cucina
900 South Miami Ave., Suite 130
Mary Brickell Village
305.381.8335
Have you dined at Blu Pizza e Cucina? If so, share your comments below!
Salud!
