An excerpt from Hedonist Shedonist, the full article link is here.

I have traveled the world and experienced countless euphoric wonders, but few of them have managed to even graze “just the tip” of the majesty of the Groove Cruise. Even when you strip away the electrifying DJs, non-stop 96-hour party, breathtaking Bahamas beach, unobstructed views of sunrises and sunsets along the amazing ship, there is still so much more to the Groove Cruise. There is a special magic sauce erupting like a geyser from the ship —  it was flowing from the people, better known as the Groove Cruise Family, or #gcfam.

Picture over 2,700 people more amped up for this trip than they have been for anything else all year. This family is here to smile, hug, love, party and have the most epic time of their lives. With an 80% retention rate, these people are more than friends, they are family — and they likely have been grooving and cruising together for many years.  We were virgins, yet instantly felt like part of the fam’.  There are no cliques on board, just open arms. People have such a phenomenal time that they book next year’s Groove Cruise before they have even gotten off this year’s cruise!

I have been to many festivals and raves (Ultras, EDC, Life In Color, Bonnaroo, Phish Festivals….), yet the intoxicating vortex of energy swirling around the ship from the attendees was unlike anything I have ever experienced.  Not only were the people fun, adventurous, sweet and loving, but they were also good-hearted.  This is a trip where five iPhones and a diamond cartier watch were lost and instead of being pocketed by attendees, they were turned in to the ship’s Lost and Found.

Besides the people, the costumes were our favorite part of the Groove Cruise. The costumes were as prolific as an end-of-the-world gay party. People really GET INTO THEIR COSTUMES that range from the hilarious and debaucherous to the interactive and nostalgic. There are six different theme parties during the journey….

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As originally appeared on Hedonist Shedonist

Picture this: the sounds of Latin music permeating the entryways as you approach a massive 855-foot long vessel. Light-footed aficionados swirl in tandem with international flags whirling in the wind. As you stroll along starboard and gaze upon the expanse of sea, you feel an unbridled excitement bubbling inside and all around you. At this moment, you feel the keen awareness that it’s going to be an epic time. Don’t believe us? Just click the video below.>

After a few hours, however, you realize what an understatement that truly was,  because we had a freaking blast on this years edition of the Aventura Dance Cruise (ADC). The 7th annual Aventura Dance Cruise chartered the entire Carnival Ecstasy cruise ship, so every person on board was there for the same reason — a love for Latin dance, its music and its culture. Each person on board signed up to be utterly immersed in salsa, bachata, kizomba, merengue and any other latin dance you can dream of.  No matter you interest or skill-level, what resulted was a sort of kinship that had over 2,400 people dancing, drinking and singing on every inch of the ship until the wee hours of the night.

The festivities were opened and closed by one of Latin music’s most influential vocalists and living legend José “El Canario” Alberto, who rocked the ship with two performances that brought back a tidal wave of beautiful nostalgic memories.

We hung out with El Canario and his entourage during the private ADC party on a Bahamas beach. All of the artists were very approachable and took time to hang out with all their fans.

Continue reading “Aventura Dance Cruise Ignites Your Latin Dancing Spirit” →

His musical talents and sexy persona inspire adulation, lust, love and respect across music fans of both sexes. Yes, Lenny Kravitz is quite a beloved man in Miami. Our hometown rockstar just released his new album “Strut” and came home to Miami to celebrate it with a very intimate performance. We were blessed to be invited and were absolutely blown away. We have been to many concerts, but being so close to a rockstar like Lenny, to feel his intense energy in a room with less than 100 fans in it, was simply amazeballs.  He absolutely killed it, playing his famous hits as well as songs from his new album. Even when he was playing with over 12 band members, one could really feel the depth of his sound. It was a unique and unforgettable experience.

We know you are craving to get your hands on that new Lenny album. If you purchase Strut from Walmart (Only $10) you will also receive an exclusive digital copy of the Lenny Kravitz Live in Miami 6-song soundcheck performance as well as the full digital album download. You can view the Lenny Kravtiz interview and music videos from the Miami performance here. 

Thank you for rocking out Miami, Lenny!

Keep up with new artists being featured by follow Walmart Soundcheck on Facebook:@WMSoundcheck :: Twitter: @WMSoundcheck :: Instagram: @WMSoundcheck

Win A Guitar Autographed By Lenny Kravitz

Photos by Hedonist Shedonist

His musical talents and sexy persona inspire adulation, lust, love and respect across music fans of both sexes. Yes, Lenny Kravitz is quite a beloved man in Miami. Our hometown rockstar just released his new album “Strut” and came home to Miami to celebrate it with a very intimate performance. We were blessed to be invited and were absolutely blown away. We have been to many concerts, but being so close to a rockstar like Lenny, to feel his intense energy in a room with less than 100 fans in it, was simply amazeballs.  He absolutely killed it, playing his famous hits as well as songs from his new album. Even when he was playing with over 12 band members, one could really feel the depth of his sound. It was a unique and unforgettable experience.

We know you are craving to get your hands on that new Lenny album. If you purchase Strut from Walmart (Only $10) you will also receive an exclusive digital copy of the Lenny Kravitz Live in Miami 6-song soundcheck performance as well as the full digital album download. You can view the Lenny Kravtiz interview and music videos from the Miami performance here. 

Thank you for rocking out Miami, Lenny!

Keep up with new artists being featured by follow Walmart Soundcheck on Facebook:@WMSoundcheck :: Twitter: @WMSoundcheck :: Instagram: @WMSoundcheck

Win A Guitar Autographed By Lenny Kravitz

H2ombre is a groundbreaking and exhilarating show that intertwines EDM, acrobatics, creative graphics, street art and good ole fashioned water into quite a majestic feast for the eyes. The performers are determined to whip the crowd up into a frenzy and unleash a boisterous, soaking wet dance party. We do not want to spoil the show so we shall keep our review short, but there are spoiler pics and videos below. If you can’t help yourself, feel free to click away.

We would recommend getting nice and “influenced” before you go to amplify your experience. H2ombre is only an hour long, but well worth the price of admission. We urge you purchase the front “seats” in the immersive stage area and wear attire that embraces the water and allows you to fully participate. You most likely will get soaked if you get close to either stages, but that is part of the fun! After the show there is an ample lounge/club/bar area to keep the party going. The herb infused alcoholic slushies were quite tasty. This show only runs through August,  so make sure you do not miss it. It is a sensationally fun and creative date idea too.

Taste of the Nation South Florida Review & Photos

Photographs by Paula Echevarria

South Florida (the non-confederate flag waving part of our paradise state) has been elevated into a serious “Foodie” region. While we are still anxiously awaiting our first Michelin Star, we do possess exquisite food, sexy chefs and a deeply diverse restaurant scene with an eclectic compilation of stellar dishes.

If you were unfamiliar with how fantastic our restaurants truly are then Taste of the Nation South Florida was the event to acquaint yourself with Miami’s finest. Almost 700  gastronomes showed up for this exquisite event held at the Loews Hotel. The lavish bash raised funds for Share Our Strength, an organization that aims to end childhood hunger in America. The irony of us stuffing our gluttonous faces to end hunger was not lost on us, but the event did raise almost $100K!!! With the exception of the renowned South Beach Wine and Food Fest, Taste of the Nation is the apex of culinary events in South Florida. Continue reading “Taste of the Nation South Florida Captivates” →

Toro Toro is an Exquisite Experience

You only get one chance to make a first impression and Toro Toro at the Intercontinental Hotel floored us in all respects.  We were joined by Maria the Foodaholic for a remarkable dining experience at this stunning locale. She co-authored this review with us.

From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were taken aback by the gorgeous beige marble décor lining the walls, and the captivating neon lights around vivid color changing screens. The gargantuan marble sculpture in the middle of the lobby conveyed a sense of historic grandeur balanced against the modern Miami flashing neon screens connecting the second and third floors. It was truly a seductive entryway to an amazing, yet under-the-radar restaurant.

The resplendent allure continued with dark brick wooden tables inside Toro Toro and the beautiful supple oak colored leather booths. Rustic lanterns hung from the ceiling contrasting majestically against the red candles on the table. An artistic tree branch hung from the ceiling, seemingly crowning the robust red and white flowers below, adding vibrancy to the unique décor. Continue reading “Toro Toro Miami Review” →

Wynwood Kitchen and Bar has launched a European summer tasting menu. We swung by to try the Spanish menu last month. Currently, they are serving German dishes, and will serve Portugal treats in August.

The Duck Prosciutto was a brand new flavor for us.  When the salty, bacon like duck meat was combined with the San Simon and Tetilla cheese and the crunchy toast it was delightful. The Quince paste jam (similar to guava) tied everything together splendidly. The sweet sauce was a nice contrast to the savory duck and cheeses.

The Stuffed Piquillo Peppers were a tasty beautiful plate.  It was comprised of crabmeat, Manchego cheese with a aji amarillo sauce.The Manchego melded with the crab giving it a creamy consistency. The aji amarillo sauce had some heat, so don’t douse the pepper in it if you are spice adverse. Continue reading “Summer Dining Series at Wynwood Kitchen and Bar” →

Feel the Ancient Castle Energy

San Gimignano (or Sangiin local parlance) is an ancient walled city with impressive Game of Thrones like towers spanning up to the heavens. The town is located atop a mountain overlooking a 360 degree view of serene picturesque landscapes, which amplifies its gravitas and sheer elegance. Although most of the original 72 towers have not withstood the test of time, the city is still very much intact and a handful of towers still reign over the city in a majestic regal fashion.

We stumbled upon this castle online and were instantly drawn to it. Since we were travelling to a fable-like city, we felt compelled to stay at a castle that is over 1,000 years old. One of our favorite facets of Europe is the venerable spirit that permeates throughout the historic cities. One can intensely feel the energy of a city and the structures that have absorbed so much history over thousands of years. We thought a castle of this timeworn magnitude would be cool, unique and overflowing with these vibes. Continue reading “A Stay in a Historic Castle in San Gimignano, Italy” →

Celebrity Domino Night Sizzles

Celebrity Domino Night was a sensational party that had the guests eating, drinking, playing and dancing the night away. Almost 2,000 guests partied to support an amazing charitable cause on June 14th at Jungle Island. Voya Miami Celebrity Domino Night is an annual fundraising celebration that supports Amigos For Kids, a benevolent charity that helps children who are abused and neglected. The event was filled with Latin heart throbs and sexy Novella stars, heaps of great food and an open bar sponsored by Bacardí USA.  Willy Chirino a Salsa Grammy winning musician performed and was followed by one of our favorite’s DJ Irie who lit up the room.

It was a joyous event with intense domino matches, a stellar silent auction and seductive salsa and regular dancing. Our favorite bites was the incredible aged steak from Shula’s Steakhouse, the delectable alfajores from Catalina’s Bake Shop and the magnificent Cuban buffet spread from the famous Versailles Restaurant. There were also a plethora of celebrities in attendance which included 1996 Miss Universe Alicia Machado, Maripily Rivera, Carolina Tejera, Louis Aguirre, Jackie Nespral and Laura Flores. We had an amazing time and can not wait for next year.

Love at First Sight

When you enter Love is Blind you are going to be dazzled by the sheer coolness and ingenuity of the restaurant. It boasts a funky motif that successfully intertwines ancient art with a trendy, funky and sexy vibe. In case you are tripping out (ref: Forgetting Sara Marshall Clip), there are smooth furry walls, blowup octopus like chandeliers, head bust sculptures with papal crowns and mounted bull skulls proclaiming pearls of wisdom such as “All you need is love.” It is one of the most fun, tricked out restaurant decors we have ever encountered.

Love is Blind is the latest addition from the Passion Restaurant Group. They also own the very popular Crazy about You, as well as Dolores but you can call me Lolita. The owner Carlos, who opened up his first restaurant in Madrid at the ambitious age of 25, explained his “cheap is chic” concept. He believes patrons should be able to experience quality cuisine in a gorgeous setting with excellent service at very affordable prices. Continue reading “Love is Blind, Coral Gables Review” →

Burger Brawl’s Best Burgers

Burgers have experienced a glorified Renaissance period over the past decade. We are proud that Miami has been a staunch contributor to this deliriously delicious movement. This city has introduced Pincho Factory’s Toston Burger and Quesadilla Burger, Swine’s orgasmic Swine Burger and Eating House’s celestial Carbonara Burger. All these superb and unique creations are MUST-tries for legit burger aficionados and almost all were present at Burger Brawl.

The Miami ambassador and undisputed King of the burger scene is the Burger Beast. The Burger Beast is a sweet and affable blogger specializing in burgers and comfort food. He benevolently organized the first annual Burger Brawl at Magic City Casino where 20 of his favorite contenders grilled it out for burger supremacy. The event was sensational with unlimited tasty burgers, desserts, tater tots and liquor for only $50!!! It was the best dollar to foodgasm ratio we have ever witnessed at a food event. Continue reading “Burger Brawl Review” →

Ostaria Boccadoro has the Best Seafood in Venice

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Strolling along the narrow sidewalks off the beaten tourist path, we were not sure if we were lost or just mesmerized by the color and novelty of this place. That is until we came across a quiet little square where we found Ostaria Boccadoro.

Do you know how you can gauge the freshness of a seafood restaurant? When, as you are having a drink (or in when in Italy, an aperitivo) the morning catch is dropped off at the restaurant for lunch.  The exquisite Ostaria Boccadoro, is located in the magical and unique city of Venice.  The name Boccadoro, translated as “golden mouth” from Italian (bocca d’oro), suits this place divinely.  The owner Chef Luciano Orlandi is profoundly charming and quite funny. The fanciful and refined restaurant specializes in offering the freshest seafood. Their menu is highly dependent on what’s available at the Rialto market. Even the napkins, made of fine linen, appeared freshly pressed. Our sweet, cool and sexy bartender/waiter/friend Luca made us amazing drinks upon arrival. Continue reading “Ostaria Boccadoro, Venice, Italy Review” →

Enjoy Celestial Views at I Terzi di Siena

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Siena is a gorgeous city in the Tuscan region of Italy, rich with tradition, food and majestic landscapes and architecture. We spent an amazing two days and one night at I Terzi di Siena which is a beautiful place to really absorb the allure of Siena. I Terzi is conveniently located near Piazza di Campo (Campo Square), which is the center of town. A cool makeshift horse race is held in the Campo once a year. I Terzi is located in one of the tallest and oldest buildings in Siena and offers its guests breathtaking views of  the Sienese rooftops, Cathedral and magnificent sunsets.

We had the pleasure of viewing a glorious sunset from the terrace while drinking wine and hanging out with a couple from Australia and another from Germany. From the terrace, one can admire the Torre del Mangia (Mangia Tower), the Siena Cathedral, the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico (Church of San Domenico) or just gaze off and lose yourself in one of the best views in all of Siena. Continue reading “I Terzi di Siena Review” →

L’osteria di Giovanni will Delight your Palates

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

L’osteria di Giovanni is an impressive, third generation family run restaurant in Florence. The food was outstanding, the service was marvelous and the ambiance was so refined and welcoming. It exuded a very trendy vibe with famous art adorning the walls.  It is a beautiful restaurant located just north over the Ponte alla Corraria Bridge on the north side of Florence.

We had the pleasure of meeting Caterina, the sweet chef turned manager. When the restaurant manager is a chef you know that all plates out of the kitchen will be up to par. Matteo, who is also a musician, was our attentive waiter.  They got us off to a great start with a complimentary fried pasta starter that we likened to phenomenal salty elephant ears.

The Goose Breast Carpaccio was a savory epiphany. It was one of our favorite dishes in all of Italy. The smoked goose breast was doused with balsamic vinegar to create a heavenly taste. It was so intensely rich and scrumptious. The fatty thin sliced meat with the amazing smoky flavor and balsamic taste will blow you away. If it is not on the menu, ask for it anyway. Continue reading “L’osteria di Giovanni in Florence, Italy Review” →

The Chianti and Truffle Tour is Sensational

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

The Chianti and Truffle Tour, run by the astute and charming Vittorio Del Bono Venezze, is one of the best tours we have ever been on.  He picks you up in Florence and takes you to San Miniato to experience truffle hunting, followed by a great truffle lunch and capped off by a visit to a marvelous boutique winemaker for a wine course and tasting.

Truffles are a gift from the heavens.  Just the thought of these magnificent mushrooms induces salivation in our truffle-addicted mouths. They are impossible to farm so they must be found in the wild. According to our hunter, ever year there are less truffle growing areas because they are contaminated by man. Once an area is ruined, it will not grow truffles again. The areas where truffles are found were such a secret, that even fathers would not tell their children until they were on their deathbeds.  We were driven to San Miniato, a tiny 1,000 hectares city renowned for its truffles, and introduced to a very experienced truffle hunter, his wife and their cute hunting dogs.

There are a variety of truffles that grow seasonally. The famous Winter White truffle grows only from October through December. It is the most expensive truffle and can sell for $3,000 a pound some years! The “cheaper” truffles are the summer black and spring white truffles that are much more affordable and still delectable.

Dogs are trained to hunt for a year and a half starting when they are puppies. These lucky puppies are given truffles in their milk. We wish our mothers had put truffles in our baby formula. While both male and female dogs can hunt, our guide claimed that females are superior.  According to our guide, the males tend to get too distracted with a different type of hunt…as in for a female partner.

Once you find a spot that produces truffles, it will produce truffles again but you are never sure when they will spring up.  The hunter goes back to the same spots each time in the hopes of finding more.

Our hunt was fun, informative and picturesque, so make sure to bring a camera. The hunter’s adorable dog named Nebia, is a hyperactive mixed breed with a prize-winning nose. She found a bunch of lil truffles during our hunt. A hunt only lasts for 3-4 hours(ours was under 2) because the dog’s nose gets desensitized after that period. Below you can see a video of Nebia as she finds a truffle. Continue reading “The Chianti and Truffle Tour in Florence, Italy” →

Ristorante Dorando is a Small Town Gem

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

 

Ristorante Dorando is a delectable spot located in the nostalgic, ancient walled city of San Gimignano. Dorando has earned a reputation as one of the best places to dine at in this quaint city and is included in the city’s Michelin Guide. The restaurant’s 14th century arched brick walls and ceiling lends it a historically gorgeous veneer. It was such a joy to dine in a unique and venerable setting where you feel as if you were taken aback to a historic wine cellar (which, funny enough, we actually happen to be in.)

 

Ristorante Dorando adeptly fuses classic Tuscan dishes with a modern and creative flair. The plates are attractive as well as delicious.  The home grown and cordial Chef Duccio presented some of his classic dishes and enlightened us about the history of Etruscan food, the restaurant and of his city. Continue reading “Ristorante Dorando in San Gimignano, Italy Review” →

A Charming and Scrumptious Restaurant in Siena

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Ristorante Grotta di Santa Caterina is a stellar spot run by a wonderful father and son team. The son, Francesco, manages this charming restaurant that is rich with culinary and equestrian history. Chef Bagoga was a famous jockey that decided after his retirement to cook professionally and has become an award winning chef. This delicious little restaurant is under an arched brick roof that is decorated with Bagoga’s awards, photos and paraphernalia from both his life as a jockey and a chef. In addition to their tasty food they also produce their own delightful wine and commissioned a famous artist named Daniele Cestari to create their beautiful wine labels.

 

Our first dish was a sensational Savory Cheese Tart with Warm Walnut Cream.  It was a splendid mix of Italy’s most famous trio of cheeses: Ricotta, Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano that blended together phenomenally. It was like an addictive, cone shaped cheese blintz that was much lighter and had a fantastic crisp golden crust. The walnut cream was very unique and complemented the tart scrumptiously. One of these treats was simply not enough. Continue reading “Ristorante Grotta di Santa Caterina in Siena, Italy Review” →

Tre Cristi Embodies the Soul of Tuscan Food

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Tre Cristi exemplifies the true soul of Etruscan food in Siena. It is the oldest restaurant in the city dating back to 1830 — that’s 184 years in business offering fresh and tasty Tuscan cuisine at very reasonable prices. The structure emits a classic, refined and warm vibe. A man and woman comprise a chef team that will take your mouth into the heart of gourmet Tuscan fare.

We love to experience the local cuisine; so naturally, we started our meal with Panzanella. A bread salad that dates back to the 14^th century from a historic waste-not-want-not Tuscan tradition.  It is comprised of bread, cherry tomatoes cucumbers, olive oil and beautiful prawn and octopus on top.  The taste was very comforting and the seafood atop were so fresh and juicy.

 

Tre Cristi is known for their seafood, so we sampled a Selection of Raw Sea Food Specialties. The pretty plate had scampi, sea bass and red prawn with great extra virgin olive oil. One of the great things about Italy is that you can be assured you are eating some of finest and purest olive oil in the world. There are huge scams being perpetuated around the world where olive oil not from Italy is being pawned off as Italian. The second this pure and delectable olive oil touches your lips, you’ll notice the difference and wonder what you’ve really been eating all your life. While the scampi was smooth and delicious, it was the prawn that ruled the plate. The prawn was presented as a deliriously enticing sashimi that was insanely satisfying. We refused to wash the sensational lingering prawn taste out of our mouths until the next course arrived. Continue reading “Tre Cristi in Siena, Italy Review” →

 By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Florence is an amazing city and we had a stupendous time there. Florence hotels can be very expensive so we decided to use airbnb and found a great apartment right in the middle of the city that was very reasonably priced. The owner Monica was so sweet, professional and gave us great tips and insights for enjoying the city. We had a superb location in the heart of Florence that was within walking distance of everything. It was commodious and super clean with a big comfortable bed. There also was solid wifi, a big shower, great sheets, a washing machine and large closet space. It was just the two of us but this place could hold five pretty comfortably with its three beds. Continue reading “A Great Place to Stay in Florence, Italy” →

Il Ridotto is an Absolute Gem

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Il Ridotto is located just behind the sumptuous St. Mark’s Basilica in gorgeous Venice. This trendy spot just received its first vaunted Michelin Star this year and we have a feeling another one is on its way soon. The restaurant’s light brick walls imbue a rustic ambiance with a modern chic décor seating 24 inside. The warm, humble and camera-shy Chef Gianni Bonaccorsi greeted us with such an amiable and enchanting smile. Riccardo was our meticulous and handsome sever who kept us wanting for nothing all afternoon.

One of our favorite facets of this restaurant is that it is very affordable. They have lunch special where one can eat three tapas, one main and a mineral water for only 28 Euros! That is one of the best deals you will EVER find at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Almost all of the dishes are either 25 or 30 Euros and nothing is more than 35 Euros. There is also a 5-course tasting menu for only 70 Euros. These are insanely reasonable prices for a restaurant of this caliber.

The opening bread basket had wonderful toasted bread that was thicker than Texas Toast as well as addictive runway model (long and skinny) bread sticks that were served with sterling Sicilian olive oil, which was perfect for dippage.

We started off our feast with the Pea Soup with Mussels, Clams, Langoustine and Bread that was utterly superb. It was so smooth yet bursting with the deep complexity of the diverse seafood flavors.

During our whirlwind culinary adventure throughout Italy, we found dishes that were so beautifully crafted, they should have their own exhibit in a museum. The Sardine Sandwich with “Panzanella” Vegetable served with Ricotta cheese and Candied Capers was one of these resplendent masterpieces. This inside-out sardine sandwich with sweet popped rice cake was such a delight to gaze upon and indulge. The multiple colors of pepper purees added a radiant complexion to this stunning dish. All the different textures and seasonings swirled around in our mouths in an enrapturing fashion. Continue reading “Il Ridotto in Venice, Italy Review” →

Vacation in Rome like a Local with Rent in Rome

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Rome is one of the best cities in the world to visit. The food is magnificent, the architecture is sublime and there are copious amount of historical sites and energy to take in. It is very easy to figure out the best to sites to see in Rome but people really struggle with where to stay. Hotels are very expensive, especially the ones located in the prime locations. Hostels are not cheap and those that are, will generally not be located in best areas. If you manage to stay in a central location, you can easily walk to almost all of the historic sites from your home base. The best way to discover and experience a city is to walk everywhere, so we highly recommend securing a centrally located spot. Continue reading “When in Rome, Rent in Rome” →

 Ristorante Life Loves to Feed you Exquisite Slow Food

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Ristorante Life is a superb establishment located in the nicest area (The Rodeo Drive) of Rome. Life is run by Clemente and Giovanna, a brother and sister sommelier team that is committed to the institution of Slow Food. The beauty and philosophy of Slow Food, which started in Italy involves preserving and promoting local foods and centuries-old traditions of gastronomy and food production that Italy has abided by for centuries.

Clemente is one of those people that you just feel an instant endearing connection with. He is wise, passionate and insightful. We authentically felt his abundant love for his food, the Earth and his customers.  He explained how Ristorante Life, as part of the Slow Food movement, only uses the finest ingredients from all over Italy. Everything at Life is Home-Made Express meaning nothing is pre-prepared. Everything is made on-demand at the moment the customer orders it.  This type of service requires extra hands in the kitchen but the results are well worth it. There is fresh fish daily and bread baked in-house twice a day. They specialize in fresh truffles delivered every two weeks as well. You can really feel the quality, love and freshness of the food there. Continue reading “Ristorante Life in Rome Review” →

Osteria Personale is an Absolute Revelation

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Osteria Personale is a visionary masterpiece. The owner Matteo Fantini is a former veterinarian turned brilliant chef and mad scientist that has prolifically pushed culinary taste, texture and creativity to an unchartered territory of innovative deliciousness. Florence is home to many amazing restaurants that cook traditional Italian food, but that’s not what you’ll find here. The affable Mateo has taken traditional dishes and reimagined them in smart and inventive ways. In fact, he does not even serve pasta!

Personale has a very comfortable and intimate setting further enhanced by a seductive jazz soundtrack that creates an inviting ambiance. Matteo, himself, warmly greets you at the door. The restaurant only seats 28 and was virtually packed on a rainy Friday night.  This profoundly visionary menu is so complex, yet so simple with only 15 dishes to order from.   It’s impossible not to get excited after reading the menu.

The journey began with a vibrantly vivid Carrot “Soup” sprinkled with miniature morsels of herring.  While it was called a soup, it was far lighter than your typical carrot soup.  Any lighter and it might have just floated away. It was adeptly fine and silky smooth, reminding us of Scarpetta’s velvet like polenta in its delicate consistency.

The show really started when Mateo’s brilliant take on burrata graced our table.  His Burrata Cheese with Tomato Sorbet, Olive Crumble, Peas and Crispy Rocket was by far the best burrata we have ever had. Two beautiful scoops of this soft cheese lay atop a celestial olive crumble.  The magnificent olive crumble added such a beautiful level of oral depth and texture to the phenomenal cheese. It was akin to cookie crumbles on a sundae or Bacos on a salad that adds a glorious and much needed crunch. The mound of tomato sorbet atop the olive crumble was original, tasteful and refreshing.  No crumb was left behind on this epic dish. Continue reading “Osteria Personale in Florence Review” →

 By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

The Florence Food Tour was a great tour that really gives you a sense of the cuisine of Florence while simultaneously enlightening you and stuffing you to the gills. Benedetta was our born and raised local tour guide. She gave us a very interesting and educational tour.

Stop one was Cafecito time. Chiaro Scuro is known as one of the best espresso bars in Florence. Chiaro has an eclectic spectrum of exotic coffee beans. This Italians use a percolator at home, they call it a Moka. Espresso machines were created in Italy and the name as it implied is based on the fact that it comes out quite swiftly. Italy is known as the best bean roaster in the world so beans are actually shipped here just to be roasted. The typical espresso blend is 80% Arabica bean and 20% Robusta bean.

Kopi luwak is recognized as the best coffee in the world. A special animal in Indonesia eats the coffee bean berries and then they shit out the beans which are used for this “special” coffee. A tiny espresso goes for around 10 euros but we received a half price local discount so it wasn’t that much more expensive than Starbucks. We obviously had to sample the “best coffee” in the world so we obliged. It had a very strange and different taste but I guess that comes along with the animal shitting the bean out process. It kind of did taste like an animal ass but it left a very cool film on the roof of your mouth. It was not our cup of tea but it was definitely worth the experience. Continue reading “Florence Food Tour Review” →

La Pergola Will Be the Best Meal of Your Life

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

The über brilliant German Chef Heinz Beck has impacted culinary history in a profoundly gifted manner. Chef Beck’s Three Star Michelin restaurant La Pergola is a gastronomic haven of unparalleled degree. Beck and his ridiculously talented team of 20 create masterpieces that fuse exquisite art, brilliant culinary science and the most delectable food on the planet to create the finest meal you most likely will ever experience.

There was actually a 50% chance that La Pergola would not even exist. Heinz has a twin brother who also wanted to be a chef. Their father did not want both of them to become chefs, so he decided to flip a coin to let fate determine who would be allowed to follow their dream. Fortunately for us and all of La Pergola’s blessed patrons, Heinz prevailed and created the treasured jewel that is La Pergola in the beautiful city of Rome.

The 9-course tasting menu (220 Euros) is a gift that all who can must bestow upon their palates. It will not merely be the most striking gastronomy you ever sample, but it will also be a ravishing art show, a scientific learning experience and a marvelous, one-of-a-kind production from start to finish.

La Pergola boasts an extensive water menu with over 25 selections. We chose a naturally carbonated water from a nearby Italian city instead of the 120 Euro water that was made by some Hollywood producer and can only be purchased at a few outlets around the world.

The 9-course menu opened with a Duck Foie Gras with Apple, Almond and Amaretti that was decidedly the best bite of food that the Hedonist ever tasted. The apples and almonds were perfect additions to tame the foie creating an oral symphony of epic proportions. The Hedonist, a lover and purveyor of enthralling foie has sampled it across three continents, but none were ever executed so miraculously. If you ever find yourself on death row, this is one of the plates you should request before meeting your maker.

Eden is an artistic and gorgeous plate inspired by Japanese Watercress Gardens. The garden was designed with aqua green tapioca balls and mangos, papayas, black caviar and Venus clams strewn across it as decorative flowers. The Hedonist use to scoff at people that claimed food was art until this extraordinary plate made his eyes pop out from the sheer masterful beauty. It is perhaps even too sexy to eat, but please put it in your mouth anyways because the amazing waiters will wait as long as you need to finish it. Continue reading “La Pergola is the Quintessence of Fine Dining in Rome” →

 A Fun and Hilarious Tour

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

We have been on loads of tours. Some awesome, some shitty and some even dangerous. The Taste of Tuscany Wine Tour from Italy on a Budget Tours was our best ever and we highly recommend and even demand that you get on it. The combination of fun, hilarity, education, activities and value for your Euro makes this tour a MUST do while in Florence.

Italy on a Budget Tourswas created to allow young (hopefully old too) backpackers the ability to tour Italy without breaking the bank. They offer day trips, cooking classes, bike tours, pub crawls and food tours among many others. The Taste of Tuscany Wine Tour bounces its patrons in a Mercedes van around Siena, the Chianti wine region, Monteriggioni, and ends with a jovial dinner on a farm in Poggibonsi.

The tour guide and company owner was a hilarious and spunky Italian named Irene. She was cracking up our group the entire trip with her witty naughty humor, stories and improv. She gave us our own Italian names and was by far the best guide we have ever had. Her adorable British accent (she will erroneously claim she doesn’t have one) made the trip extra enjoyable.  Our crew was a lively and lovely group of cheeky Anglo Saxons that spanned across the States, Wales (look it up) and West Australia. We had a cool honeymooning couple as well as 3 sisters from Spain on a bachelorette party.

The first stop was a winery located in the fertile Chianti Classico region amongst legitimate breathtaking scenery. The spot was called Casa Sola, a beautiful private winery that dates back to the year 1000! The house was covered in artistic vines overlooking precious beckoning grape vines. The owner Maria walked us through the entire olive oil & wine making processes. It was quite fascinating to learn the intricacies of both. Continue reading “The Taste of Tuscany Wine Tour in Florence” →

By Ari Kane, Photographs by Daniella Veras

Our first true Italian meal was at the luxurious Sapori del Lord Byron. This resplendent restaurant is located in the five-star Lord Byron Hotel, about a 10-minute drive north of the touristic Roman circle. It boasts only 32 rooms and prides itself on being an under the radar establishment frequented by politicians and affluent foreigners. Sapori is included in the Rome Michelin Guide and has an antique, yet modern-aristocratic country club ambiance. The atmosphere coupled with exquisite service makes its patrons feel as if they were descended from noble origins.

The service at Sapori del Lord Byron was nothing short of impeccable. Nicola is a soft spoken, sweet and attentive sommelier that advised us on some immaculate wine pairings and shared insights on the art of wine, all with a warm, inviting smile. While most of our waiters in Miami struggle with our native tongue, our gracious and astute multilingual waiter, Alessandro speaks four: Italian, French, English and Spanish. They were both so amiable and meticulous the entire night, which speaks volumes, since most dinners in Rome last for over three hours.

The Crunchy Polenta Horn stuffed with Creamy Cod served with rosemary flavored chickpea puree was a creative treat. The smooth polenta had awesome chunks of flavorful cod. The cone was made of a fantastic crust that literally shattered deliciously in the mouth.

The Eggplant Parmesan contained a soft noodle exterior with a side of pesto and topped with fresh basil leaves that blended together beautifully. It also included fried eggplant sticks that added a great crunchy layer of texture to this tasty plate. Continue reading “Sapori del Lord Byron in Rome is an Experience of Grandeur” →