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Justina Coronel

Culinary, Fashion, MSM Online

Father’s Day Gift Guide

By Justina Coronel Father’s Day is around the corner and we have the perfect gift guide for you to show the father figure in your life that you are beyond grateful. It can be tough trying to figure out what these men would want, but we have found the solution and have narrowed down the list. Each father has their own unique character and distinctive personality, but these gifts will compliment and benefit every type of dad to make him feel one of a kind. Figuier “Verte”/ “Green” Fig Tree Candle by Diptyque Paris This classic scent is presented in a green glass container. This aroma will offer the warmth of fig wood and a touch of fresh leaves. It will make your dad feel as if he is camping in the woods, without all the hassle! http://www.diptyqueparis.com/figuier-vert-300g-candle.html /10.2 oz, $90 Morgenthal Frederics Sunglasses These sunglasses are made of 100% titanium. That in itself is quite unique. Since they are made of titanium that means that they are extremely durable. They also offer a trendy look to make your dad feel like the rock star that he is. Thom Sunglasses by Morgenthal Frederics at Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL 33154 / $495 Longchamp 3D Crossbody Bag Longchamp’s 3D bag is in the men’s collection line combining modernity with symmetry. If Alan from the movie The Hangover can rock one, so can your dad. Just like Alan said, “It’s not a purse, it’s called a satchel, Indiana Jones wears one.” So you know… it’s pretty awesome. http://us.longchamp.com/handbags/longchamp-3d/crossbody-bag-1077770?sku=26511 / $630 Casa Dragones Tequila For the culinary and drink inclined, Casa Dragones has a great treat for them. Exclusively for Father’s Day, they are offering a bottle of Casa Dragones Joven with a personal, handwritten message on the bottle. For more information, please visit casadragones.com / $275 Your dad will definitely feel appreciated and loved with any of these gifts listed above. Father’s Day Gift Guide

Culinary, MSM Online

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Creates Delicious Summer Cocktail Recipes

By Justina Coronel There is no better way to cool off from this brutal summer heat than by trying these refreshing summer cocktail recipes. The Watermelon Smash and the Mint Julep are deliciously made with moscato from Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. The Watermelon Smash is a great combination of juicy watermelon and mint leaves. Both of these substances also garnish the drink beautifully. The Mint Juleps have muddled fresh mints as well; even the ice cubes in this frosted drink are mint-infused. Now that’s quite the experi-mint. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Moscato – Watermelon Smash Prep + Cook Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes Yield: 8-10 cocktails   Ingredients: 3 pounds seedless watermelon, peeled and cubed, plus 1/2 pound watermelon reserved for garnish 1/4 cup mint leaves, plus several leaves for garnish Juice of four limes (about 8 tbsp) 1 bottle of Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Moscato 5 ounces vodka Simple syrup to taste (depending on how sweet your watermelon is, you may not need it at all) Ice Directions: Add watermelon, mint and lime juice to a blender and puree. Strain into a pitcher. Stir in the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Moscato and vodka. Taste. Sweeten with simple syrup to taste. Refrigerate for at least two hours. Stir again, then pour the cocktail into drinking glasses filled with ice and garnish with skewered watermelon. *Entertaining Tip: for a no-fuss crowd pleaser, double or triple this recipe and serve it in a large punch bowl. Make a gorgeous ice ring by adding lime slices, mint leaves and water to a plain Bundt pan. Freeze, then unmold and add to your punch just before party time! Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Moscato – Mint Julep Yield: 1 Mint Julep Ingredients: 3 oz. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Moscato 3 tsp seltzer water 3 sprigs fresh mint Extra large ice cubes Directions: To make mint ice cubes, tear up about 8 mint leaves and freeze with water the night before. Muddle 6 mint leaves, powdered sugar and seltzer water in a glass or cocktail shaker. Add Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Moscato and shake or stir lightly to mix. Add ice cubes to your serving glass, pour drink over the ice and garnish with the remaining mint. *Entertaining Tip: to make the mint ice cubes, chop several mint leaves and freeze them with water in ice cube trays the night before serving. The summer heat is no sweater weather, but you definitely will break a sweat so make sure to keep hydrated by drinking these perfect summer recipes.

Culinary, MSM Online, Traveler

Summer Cocktails: A Taste of the Caribbean

By Justina Coronel These sunny summer days offer a great way for drink enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean tropics by using these flavorful recipes. Rebecca Tibbitts is the only female certified wine steward in the Bahamas and is the co-founder of AAA Four-Diamond restaurant Flying Fish. She has offered some cocktail recipes and wine pairings. Her expertise and creativity explore and experiment with multiple flavors bringing unique drink recipes to your taste buds. Pictured above, The Rosemary Infused Lemonade contains:  2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 ounce simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved into 1 part water) 2 ounce rosemary infused simple syrup (1 part sugar dissolved into 1 part water with fresh rosemary stalk infused into mixture while still hot) 2 ounces water (or club soda) 4 ounces dry, light, unoaked white wine (Albarino or Pinot Grigio) In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients over ice and shake.  Serve entire contents of cocktail shaker in a sugar rimmed glass, garnish with slice of lemon. Some of Rebecca’s favorites include: the Cool Breeze cocktail, which is a mix of coconut vodka, muddled pineapple, and a kick of jalapeno pepper; the Mango Cilantro Margarita is one of the most popular concoctions at Flying fish; and the Bahamian Sunset which is Watlings rum blended with fresh pineapple juice and a local liqueur Nassau Royale. Rebecca also suggests crisp, clean white wines such as a Viognier, Grüner Veltliner, and even Pinot Noir from Oregon or Washington State. These light wines offer grape varieties that are essential for the summer. No need to go to the Caribbean to enjoy these cocktails, simply use these tropical recipes and create yourself your own little paradise.

Culinary, MSM Online

Philipiak Milano Introduces Quality Cookware Products to the United States

By Justina Coronel What if there was a product that could save you money, use your time more efficiently, and could cause you to live a healthier lifestyle? Well, Philipiak Milano has the answer! This European company has introduced its next-level cookware products to the United States. The cookware sears and sautés without cooking oil or fats and steams without adding water. The products are made from chrome-nickel steel and are known for its enduring durability and high quality. It is heavy-duty material that is highly resistant to the effects of bacteria and is very hygienic in use. Philipiak Milano’s frying pans are designed to hold heat for up to two hours, after the initial heating process. So if you have a busy lifestyle, this gives you the ability to have the food cooking off the burner, without wasting any energy. This cookware even saves you money since you are not consuming as much energy while cooking. When using the pots or pans, they can be used at low-temperature and still be prepared efficiently. Another major pro in this product is the fact that you don’t need to add any additional fat while cooking. This is a huge health benefit along with steaming produce, which keeps in tact the nutritional value. The original stacked cookware set consists of 18 elements and can prepare an entire meal on one burner. Now that’s a head turner! Philipiak Milano has expanded beyond this with specialty pots and pans, ceramic and steel knife sets, and porcelain flat-ware. With 50 years of experience, this company offers a 25-year warranty and door-to-door repair service. But these products are truly timeless.

Fashion, Fashion 101, MSM Online

Vince Camuto’s Yellow Scuba Jacket Brings a Pop of Color into Fashion

By Justina Coronel Don’t let the sun take all the shine. You can stand out as well by rocking Vince Camuto’s canary yellow asymmetrical scuba mod jacket. It has a boxy fit with a perfect touch of the moto-style collar giving you that bit of chic and street edge. You may think it would be hard to style with a variety of different outfits, but on the contrary, this primary color can be paired in multiple ways, only if you dare. This jacket can bring some fun, color, and excitement to your wardrobe, so embrace it! Brighten up your world with this stylish, pop of color scuba jacket.

Culinary, Events, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online

The 8th Annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week Presents the Ultimate Foodie Paradise

By Justina Coronel Three weeks of over 40 restaurants offering three-course meal menus? This is the ultimate foodie galore! The 8th Annual Coral Gables Restaurant Week presented by Bacardi USA is showcasing new eateries and returning old favorites while offering several courses served at a total, discounted price. Foodies will have three weeks, from June 8th-28th, to taste their way through Downtown Coral Gables. Downtown Coral Gables is a unique and sophisticated destination that has a variety of restaurants that have an array of fine cuisine. This mouthwatering event will kick off on Thursday, June 4th, and guests can come together for the “Taste of the Gables” launch party. At the Westin Colonnade, 180 Aragon Avenue, from 6:30-8:30pm, foodies will be able to taste samples of Restaurant Week and then vote to select the winner for “Best Taste of the Gables.” The general admission prices are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. But if you are wanting more, look at what VIP has in store. For $55 online or $65 at the door, VIP ticket holders will have access to all General Admission areas, enjoy the Bacardi rum open bar and additional food stations, and will receive a glorious goody bag to take home. This event is 21 and over, so make sure to pair those meals with the official cocktail of Restaurant Week, which is the classic Bacardi rum and Coke. You don’t want to miss this three-week fun-filled adventure where you can frolic around and devour delicious food. To date, these are the 40 restaurants participating: Anacapri on Ponce Angelique Euro Café Bellmont Spanish Restaurant Bread + Butter Counter BrickTop’s Bulla Gastrobar Café at Books & Books by Chef Allen Caffe Abbracci Caffe Vialetto California Pizza Kitchen Christy’s Restaurant Cibo Wine Bar Divino Ceviche Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Fratellino Ristorante Fritz & Franz Bierhaus Ikura Sushi Lounge JohnMartin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant La Dorada Restaurant La Taberna Giralda Le Provencal The Local Craft Food & Drink Maroosh Mediterranean Restaurant Miss Saigon Bistro Morton’s The Steakhouse OBBA Sushi Open Stage Club Ortanique on the Mile Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine Randazzo’s Little Italy Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Seasons 52 Spritz of Coral Gables Sushi Maki SUSHISAMBA Swine Southern Table & Bar Talavera Cocina Mexicana Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill Threefold Café Uvaggio Restaurant & Wine Bar Vicolo Italian Kitchen   For more information to purchase tickets, visit www.coralgablesrestaurantweek.com

Culinary, MSM Online

We All Scream for Freddo’s 8 New Delicious Flavored Ice Creams!

By Justina Coronel Freddo’s Argentine Premium Helado is debuting eight new desirable ice cream flavors at its Miami Beach location on Lincoln Road. These gelatos are quite unique because they have 0 grams of trans-fat per serving (3.5 oz.) and are lacking preservatives and added vegetable fats. Not only are you eating the best, but you are also putting those calorie gains to rest. Creating creamy helados, or ice creams, has been a well-known craft for Freddo since 1969. These ice creams are made from high-quality raw materials and each batch distributed matches that quality consistency. These refreshing ingredients include fresh milk, pure cane sugar, and flavorful fruits. But, let’s get to the good stuff. The new savory flavors are a sense of Europe’s signature gluten-free gelatos. These delectable tastes include Italian Mascarpone, which is a partially frozen dessert topped with raspberry purée; Italian Zabaione, a light Italian custard with nuts and rum-infused raisins; Irish Cream, a partial frozen Irish Velvet Liqueur; Brigadeiro, a milk chocolate truffle blended with rich dulce de leche; Dulce de Leche Choco Chip is the original dulce de leche ice cream sprinkled with chocolate flakes; Chocolate Chip the classic and delicious helado, and Mango and Raspberry are both refreshing scoops of sorbet flavors that are made with fresh fruit. Freddo has more than just your basic cup of ice cream and waffle cone. It has the Freddino, which is a delightful combination of creamy helado blended with coffee. Another feature is the TriFreddo, which is their version of the European triffle blended with three layers of artisanal ice cream smothered with three toppings or syrups. And if you want something a little bit lighter, they also offer refreshing smoothies that merge fruit sorbet with ice cream. It’s sunny summertime and there is no better time for you to scream for ice cream!

LIFESTYLE, Luxury, MSM Online, Traveler

Apexluxe Offers a Unique Aquatic Adventure with Dolphins & Sea Lions

By Justina Coronel There is no better aquatic experience than Apexluxe’s offering of a thrilling marine adventure with playful dolphins and energetic sea lions. It will offer unique, up close and personal encounters with the Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphins and Sea Lions for an approximate three-hour period. This experience will begin with an educational consultation and information based on the animal’s anatomy and biology. Also, it will give feedback on ocean conservation and thorough descriptions of the interactions. But it’s the connection with these spirited creatures that will leave a splash of lifetime memories. Each swimmer will undergo fast-paced behaviors such as speedy foot pushes and dorsal tows. Foot pushes are when the dolphins push the bottom of your feet and swiftly propel you through the water. Dorsal tows are when guests hold on to the dorsal fins as the dolphin rapidly swims and pulls you along. The swimmers will also participate in powerful bows over hoops and poles. You will get so close to these friendly marine mammals that you will even be able to interact with them in intimate behaviors through handshakes, belly rubs, and kisses. You may also test your ability and skills as a trainer by giving the dolphins learned hand signals. The dolphin trainer directs each dolphin’s swim and guides the dolphins and the humans through a series of amusing and exciting behaviors. A professional photographer will record each unforgettable moment and every action along the watery way. And just like dolphins flip in the air, Apexluxe will offer you, a flipping good time. For more information on Apexluxe and their Unique Experiences, please visit www.apexluxe.com

LIFESTYLE, Luxury, MSM Online, Sports, Traveler

Apexluxe Presents a One of Kind Experience at Monaco’s 73rd Grand Prix

By Justina Coronel Located on France’s Mediterranean coastline, Monaco is a destination known for its yacht-lined harbor, extravagant casinos, rich cultural heritage, and the prestigious Grand Prix motor race. Now, the 73rd Monaco Formula One Grand Prix will take place on May 22nd-24th, 2015, as this exquisite race will maneuver through the narrowing and winding streets of Monte Carlo. This street circuit challenge is widely known and regarded as one of the most demanding races. Monaco Grand Prix is considered to be a gem and the crème de le crème in the F1 crown with its spectacular scenery, alluring social scene, and its historic battles between driving legends dating back for 100 years. And if you are in the need for speed in this picturesque atmosphere, then Apexluxe has an exclusive invitation for you! Apexluxe is known for its reliable and resourceful high-end transportation accompanied with its flawless concierge services and it has provided a unique experience during this lavish event that will make you feel like royalty. It provides a 150-foot private superyacht moored in a prime harbor location with private high-speed water tenders that lead you directly back to the yacht. It offers three days of gourmet hospitality including fine wines, bubbly champagne, and an open premium bar. The Royal Friday Night reception is also included, which is traditionally honored by the presence HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco, and attracts over 250+ guests, drivers, Hollywood celebrities, Olympians, and models. Don’t worry, you can even have the joy of being the ultimate speed racer by having a “hot lap” on the closed GP circuit while screaming au revoir out the window. After all these offers, you must be cursing sweet nothings. But it’s okay, think to yourself this lyric that Kanye West said, “Excuse my French, but I’m in France.” For more information on Apexluxe & their unique experiences, please visit www.apexluxe.com

Culinary, MSM Online

Spice Up Your Life!

By Justina Coronel No, we aren’t singing about the Spice Girls’ pop hit single… We are talking about adding some flavor into your world by visiting Seaspice Restaurant in Miami, the 300 seating seafood brasserie and waterfront lounge. Seaspice embraces great sustenance quality with a blend of comfort food and new-cultured techniques as well. The venue has two wood burning ovens that cook at 1,000 degrees and specialize in its signature dish: seafood casseroles. From the delicacy of caviar, to fresh Florida stone crabs, to a juicy prime U.S. bone-in rib eye, Seaspice’s menu provides it all. The restaurant also hosts Saturday and Sunday brunch on the river from 11:30-3:00 p.m. that tends to pop off, just like the bottles of champagne. The dining experience is held in a post-industrial warehouse presented with nautical touches of sophisticated décor. Located on the banks of the Miami River, Seaspice’s open terrace has a stunning waterfront view of South Florida’s downtown skyline. It offers several dining accommodations such as the interior main dining room and bar, the exterior courtyard, the outdoor bar, a covered patio, and the newest addition of Seaspice’s Modern Garden. Modern Garden is a Crudo Bar that presents the freshest products and brings the stimulating concept of hot-stone cooking. Guests can order seared premium meats and seafood as it cooks on a 850-degree volcanic stone while it sizzles right at their table. This innovative concept adds to the flavorful atmosphere. But Seaspice offers much more than its laid-back elegance and food-heaven galore, it is a place “where leisure becomes remarkable.” This feel good atmosphere is all about the vibrant ambiance and having the customers enjoy themselves. And don’t be surprised if you run into a few celebrity guests that love this energetic vibe too. This extraordinary restaurant will definitely provide a little bit of spice… and everything nice.

Artists at the Hausammann Gallery opening in Wynwood surrounded by urban artwork
Arts, Culture, MSM Online

Hausammann Gallery Presents Triple Shot and The Unseen Colors

By Justina Coronel Wynwood Art District is the epicenter of Miami’s arts, where you can find walls and warehouses splashed with colorful street art and stroked with a creative atmosphere in an enriching environment. The Hausammann Gallery in Wynwood, known for its displays on the latest trends of urban art, opened its doors Thursday night for the art exhibition Triple Shot that featured the three of the main leaders of the Graffiti Movement. Triple Shot focused on the vibrant, vivid, and exquisite works of these well-known graffiti artists: Poesia, Rae Martini, and Raptuz. Poesia, from San Francisco Bay, has been creating graffiti for twenty-five years and has been internationally shown in cities such as London and Paris. Rae Martini portrayed his early work by coloring the streets and trains in Europe since 1990. He has created powerful images from his past work on trains to conceptual paintings on canvas. Raptuz, from Milan, has been doing graffiti for almost 30 years and is the co-founder of the Italian historical TDK crew. But the graffittism wasn’t the only form of art expression in the room. The gallery also featured the latest book of Italian writer, Marc Di Maggio. As Di Maggio introduced his new book, The Unseen Colors of the 40s, he also described how the book purchases would have a percentage of the proceeds donated to Joe Di Maggio Children’s Foundation. The guests sipped on champagne and enjoyed the deliciousness of traditional Peruvian samples while they observed and glanced around the gallery. Most importantly, through a purchase of a book, guests were able to contribute to those in need for the Joe Di Maggio Children’s Foundation. Now that’s a work of heart. For more information on the Hausammann Gallery, please visit www.hausammanngallery.com

Culinary, MSM Online

Bistro Cassis Brings the South of France Cuisine to South Florida

By Justina Coronel Bonjour and welcome to the newly opened Bistro Cassis that is bringing the South of France to South Florida! This 2,000 square-foot classic French restaurant located at Midtown Miami matches the ambiance of French cafes with bistro chairs and tables, white subway tile walls and floors, and photographs of the City of Lights. Bistro Cassis is the first South Florida restaurant for the successful New York restaurant group, Reststar Hospitality Group. The founder, Fabio Machado and his two sons own ten popular eateries in New York City and Long Island. Bistro Cassis is sprinkled throughout four different New York locations. “Midtown Miami is a wonderful pedestrian neighborhood, with a great mix of restaurants and retail, and we felt that Bistro Cassis would be the perfect addition to the community… we want to be everyone’s favorite corner café – a restaurant that’s perfect for any occasion, any time of the week,” Machado stated. Bistro Cassis is open daily for lunch and dinner. And now, they are even open for brunch as a Sunday tradition-in-the-making. The French cuisine is full of traditional dishes and French favorites such as escargot and frog legs tagged along with modern interpretations. Make sure to save some room for dessert because who can pass up the sweetness of crème brulée with it’s roasted sugar and vanilla custard. Food isn’t the only thing that will make you say oui, oui but so will the signature cocktails. The restaurant has a beautiful old-fashioned wooden bar retrieved from a 1920s era hotel. This vintage piece serves nothing but the best French spirits of innovative concoctions, such as Sangune- the French style sangria with fresh fruit and Pavan liqueur. As Audrey Hepburn said, “Paris is always a good idea.” We are saying, “Bistro Cassis is an even better one.”

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