My Fabulous Florida

Where to Celebrate 305 Day on 03/05/23

Friday, March 03, 2023

305 Day is the unofficial holiday in Miami to celebrate all that is Miami. So where does the name come from? 305 was once the area code for the entire State of Florida. With population growth, came new area codes in different cities. 305 area code remained connected to the most populous city, Miami. So, if you're a #786 area code resident, well let's just say it's cooler to be a 305er.

The tradition was started by 305 Cafecito, a local coffee shop in Coral Gables (Miami) back in 2014. However, in 2013, it was declared that the official Cuban coffee time in Miami is 3:05pm. At 3pm we prepare the Cuban coffee, and five minutes later we serve, share and drink it!

On Sunday, March 5, the main event will be held at the Wynwood Marketplace with many festivities including food, arts and entertainment. Address: 2250 NW 23rd Street, 33127

Coinciding with 305 Day, at 12pm starts the Miami Sneaker Festival, at Electric Lady, 144 NW 23rd Street. Miami, 33127. No sneakerhead should miss this event to buy, trade or sell sneakers. If you are on the hunt for fresh kicks, this event is for you!

At 1pm, Oasis Wynwood will celebrate Miami vibes, with food and culture and line up of Miami DJs with photo opps and activation throughout the day.

At 3:05pm the holiday is kicked off with a Miami-inspired Zumba class and a special performance by @hiphopkidz.

All that dancing and hip hopping is sure to make you hungry. Well nearby are lots of eating establishments and a favorite nearby is Coyo Taco offering tacos, mini quesadillas and drinks for an affordable $3.05.

Wynwood is not the only area celebrating.

In downtown Miami, revelers can celebrate Getty style along the historic Miami River with music and food special and a complimentary Rum Cafecito shot. Be sure to RSVP at WharfMiami.com.

The Epic Block Party in Wynwood is a free outdoor event for the whole family to celebrate community. See you there!

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Culture

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage in Miami

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Female guest learning cigar etiquette in smoking & rum tasting

In our ever growing interconnected world, we embrace and celebrate Hispanic multiculturalism this month from September 15 to October 15. However, anytime is a great time to visit Miami, if you are from out of town, and immerse in this mosaic culture. Even Hispanic residents often discover a fascinating bit of history or recollect fond memories from childhood. Here are three unique activities to partake in and enjoy.

To really learn about the first major wave of Hispanic immigrants (Cubans) that started to transform Miami in the 1960's, I recommend the original Little Havana Cultural Walking Tour by Little Havana Tours. They are the first boutique tour operator to offer daily cultural tours fourteen years ago, long before tourism exploded in 2018. Tour guides live in the neighborhood and are deeply entrenched or connected with the local people and establishments. The tour logically starts with history, and kicks off with a freshly pressed tropical fruit drink for a warm Miami day. These small groups continue down Cuban Memorial Way for more history and details about changes in the neighborhood. Then guests continue the famed "Calle 8" or eighth street, for other cultural highlights such as apparel, foods, cigars, music and dance.

The walking tour lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes is very reasonably priced. For more food, they offer two other tours including sit down hot meal, which other tours do not offer. This is definitely not your cookie cutter tour. Guides are highly trained with in-depth knowledge of all aspects, including political history, religions like Santeria, and it's a woman who knows the most about cigars and rum. More on that below.

Learn the symbolism of the roosters, real ones and six foot ones

Today Little Havana is more than Cuban immigrants. Many residents hail from central America especially Nicaragua and Honduras. It is truly a mosaic in motion. A kaleidoscope. To escape the tourist beaten path, they offer a Rooster tour which takes you to areas only locals frequent. On this tour, guests will savor central American foods. We don't want to spoil the surprise by sharing all the details.

Family enjoying Mexican elotes on the Rooster Tour

Now if are limited on time or have tight schedule and just want to eat great food, we have some hidden gems to spotlight.

First is Yambo, a Nicaraguan restaurant in Little Havana. It's such a local secret, they have no Google page or website, but they do have a Facebook page for fans. Just the outside is an Instagram worth photo opp. It looks like part carnival, part farm with giant roosters and hose statues as pictured above.

The second one is El Porton de la Flaca in Doral for great Colombian food.

Bar at El Portón de la Flaca (Colombian food)

For a spectacular ending, from September 26- Oct 2 is the Billboard Latin Music Week, an industry gathering to hold workshops, conversations with experts/producers/artists on creating and promoting music.

Each night is a concert En Vivo with artists like Bizzarap, Romeo Santos, Nicky Jam and so many more. General Admission tickets are still on sale for $645.

History, Food, Music and

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Swimwear Fashion

Miami Swim Week 2022

Saturday, July 30, 2022

The world's sexiest fashion event of the year is in Miami every July. Miami Swim Week.

As a native Floridian who grew up with swimming pools and beaches, and a fashion enthusiast in my adult years, Miami Swim Week is one of my favorite weeks of the year!

Throughout the week fashion shows are held with the latest swimwear design and fashion. The event brings in over 30 international designers, artists and droves of models. Fashionistas, buyers, influencers and industry gather at various venues (restaurants, hotels, museums, art galleries) for seven evenings of fashion, cocktails, and art.

On Wednesday I attended a grand opening event at Sea Spice restaurant near my home in downtown Miami. I love these settings because it was not crowded, and it is a great opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and network with other like-minded businesswomen while brunching.

Arriving at Seaspice restaurant for Miami Swim Week launch

Brunch and Swimwear Fashion Show at Seaspice restaurant

This year MSW raised the bar in DEI--Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity. Models were women of all nationalities, races, height, weight, including a pregnant woman and a woman with a prosthetic limb. Everyday women. Love it!