95 South Magazine Preview Issue: Roots

Section 01

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Section 01

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95 South Magazine

PREVIEW EDITION Volume 1 / Issue 1

Executive Publisher:

Table of

CONTENT

Gina Castellanos Pelaez

President, Editor-in-Chief: Miriam Mestre Lauzardo

Creative Director: Michael Lauzardo

Digital Editor: Jobair Hossain

Director of Marketing and Communications: Sophia Lama

Director Major Gifts:

05 Letter from the editors

Section 01 - Columns 06 Ay Abuela 07 A Date With Argentina

Section 02 - Get Lit 08 13 14

Short Story Tangled Roots Poems Book Review: Cuba In My Pocket Written By Adrianna Cuevas

Mia Williams

Section 03 - WellBeing

Photographer:

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Sasha De Almargo

Contributors: Ibis Valdes, Brenda Popriktin, Alexandra Someillan, Mia Williams

Young Creative: Abby Garcia 95 South Magazine is a subsidiary of Vida Media Project, a 501.c.3 not-for-profit organization www.95SouthMagazine.com www.vidamedia.org Produced & published by Vida Media Project, Inc.

Preparing My Body For Pregnancy

Section 04 - Community 18 20 22 24

Employee Retention Credit 2022 Eligibility Contributors Miami Social Club The Sosa Way Newlife Health & Fitness

Section 05 - Epocas 26 Here Comes The Sun 30 Spring Celebration 32 Summer Tarotscope Readings

Section 06 - Food Culture 34 The Michelin Guide Arrives in Miami 38 Cuban-American Recipes By Miami Food Family 40 Abuela’s Plant Based Kitchen: A New Cookbook

Section 07 - Arts 42 Open Submissions 43 Abby Art

Section 08 - Florida Legends 44 David Fairchild, Father of Florida Foods & Foliage

Section 09 - Local Secrets 48 Spring Into Summer 2

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Section 01

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Section 01

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Hey there and Bienvenidos, It is a dream come true to welcome you to the inaugural issue of 95 South Magazine! 95 South is a Vida Media Project (a 501c.3 publication) by and for the people of South Florida.

It is our love letter to and about Miami and its surrounding areas, an ode to the place where we grew up with our immigrant/Hispanic/Caribbean cultures. Proud of these cultural roots and inspired by the multitude of voices found in the gateway to the Americas, within these pages, we hope to capture snapshots of South Florida life/living.

The intention began with the commitment to share the eclectic multi-generational history, views, perspectives, opinions, and stories of South Florida. We strive to present a glimpse into the spirit of the South Florida we grew up in, beyond the glittery beaches and typecast caricatures often portrayed on screen.

Like many Miamians, we are the fortunate daughters and granddaughters of those that were brave enough to uproot their lives, leaving behind all they knew in search of a better life for their families and the generations to follow. They relocated their lives and families, carrying with them their hope, faith, and culture, settling in and adapting to a new way of life someplace off 95 South. Here, they sowed a legacy of love where our transplanted roots have flourished and thrived. To our ancestors, we say, gracias con nuestras almas y corazones, for all your sacrifice, we are eternally grateful, and we honor you.

We hope you enjoy this preview issue. Excited for all there is to come!

Besitos & Blessings, Gina and Miriam Co Editors-in-Chief

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Section 01

// Columns

Section 01

A DATE WITH ARGENTINA

Ay Abuela,

Que hago?

Everyone wishes they could find the love of their lives through a friend of a friend or that your abuela will introduce you to her amiga from Cuba’s grandson who looks like Maluma and you fall madly in love.

But, the majority of us have to come to terms with the fact that more likely than not that partner for life is probably waiting for you at the Wharf (the true Miami fairytale).

Or worse… on some dating app.

- Heartbroken in Hialeah

Lately, my dating escapades

This guy, I thought he was the one.We weren’t together for long, but our relationship was amazing. Until one day, out of nowhere, he broke up with me.

have made me the main source of entertainment on wine nights.

“Argentina” and I met on Hinge. When I first came across his profile, I was almost certain that he was some creep disguised as this god of a man. With a perfectly symmetrical face, a sleeve of tattoos, good height, rock solid abs, and biceps bigger

Querida Heartbroken in Hialeah, Mi nina bella, que vas acer? I can tell that you liked him a lot. I’m sure he cared for you too. How could he not? I know this is tough. Pero si un hombre de verdad esta

// Columns

how people react and function in relationships. All that we can do is be the best versions of ourselves and bring that to each relationship, hoping to bring the best out in each other.

enamorado they make it work. If he doesn’t prioritize you,

I know it is hard, but you will find someone else, or if he

he isn’t the one. You thought things were getting serious?

is “the one,” you’ll both grow and find your way back to

But then, one weekend, it was done. No mija, ese no es

each other when the time is right. Sometimes the world

“the one”. And that’s okay.

doesn’t make sense, and trying to make sense of it causes

than my head, he was a solid Miami 10/10.

I mean, sure 4 out of 5 of the pictures on his profile were him shirtless and his Instagram handle was the first thing he thought important enough to mention about himself.

It was quickly apparent that this man was not some dating app creeper… worse; he was a true Miami F-boy. Naturally, I had to message him.

A few flirty messages back and forth and I got the good old “let’s take this convo to IG DM” message (a way for men to verify you are attractive enough for them). I agreed, confident in my hotness, and looked up his account, and that’s when I realized…I had matched with a professional thirst trapper.

100k followers and not a shirt in sight. Oh yeah, and 3 million followers on Tiktok.

Okay… so not husband material… but hey, could be a good time… so, we pressed on.

He asked me to go to a small bakery and

grab coffee (unnecessarily modest in my opinion). I agreed and met him at a bakery in Kendall which I later learned was just two blocks from his house. Amazing effort, I know.

I walked into the bakery, and instead of the sweet smell of pastries, bread, and coffee, it smelled like I was walking into a Hollister; right in front of me appeared the Hollister model wearing a shirt, unfortunately. We grabbed a coffee and began to talk.The first 15 minutes of our conversation he went on about his workout routine and how he really shouldn’t be eating the empanada that he was simultaneously stuffing in his mouth.

“It takes a lot of dedication to have a body like this,” he said, complimenting himself. It was only the thought of running my hands down his washboard abs that kept me from walking out of the bakery.

His claim to fame was that he “was supposed to be on Netflix’s “Too Hot to Handle”, but he had an offer to go on another bigger show(his episode never aired)”. “Tonight my friends and I are going to LIV and we have a table” woke me from my daydreaming.

My new goal was to get invited to said table because 1. LIV is my natural habitat and 2. Quiero perrear. After a few minutes of stroking his ego,the invite was offered.

Perhaps this date was a bust, but LIV is always a good time. That night I walked into LIV with Argentina, had one drink and was invited into VIP by “France” (that story for another time). What was meant to be a sloppy night with a D-list Tik Tok star became a night to remember with A-listers.

He lived on my block. He was tall, handsome and really

Al final del dia, borrón y cuenta nueva. Wake up every

nice to my mami. But, he was more like a brother. I just

morning committed to being the best you can be, and

never saw him in that way. He insisted we date, and I just

your person will come along.

The lesson of the day is… sometimes you go on a date with a TikTok famous thirst trapper just because he is hot and end up at LIV partying in VIP. The possibilities are endless in Miami Unless, of course, you are in the market for marriage and that is not my specialty.

and that person doesn’t quite feel the same way, or it isn’t

Trust me,

Nos vemos,

the right time. We can’t control the way the heart works or

Abuela

Fulana de Tal

When I was young, there was this boy that really liked me.

couldn’t do it. Sometimes we think we found our person,

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us deeper heartache.

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Section 01

// Columns

Section 02

Short Story

TANGLED ROOTS

// Get Lit

HAN, HAN? ¿HAS DECIDIDO? HAVE YOU DECIDED? The chanting throbs in her ears, pulsing with the rhythm of a familiar heartbeat.

By Miriam Mestre

Have you...has...Han? Spanish, English, and something else something, inherent and primordial. She struggles to grasp the meaning, desperate to grab a hold of anything at all. There is never enough time. The tangled roots of mangrove trees burst from her soles, climbing up her legs, growing out of her tousled mane, and wrapping around her face, neck, and chest. The faint stench of the swamp wafts in along with the cacophony of coquís. Her eyes open, but she is paralyzed. She can’t scream. Never can, but she tries every time. She waits for the flash.

Han,Han? ¿Hasdecidido? Haveyoudecided?

The chanting races like her heartbeat reaching a crescendo, then the flash of white and deafening silence. She jolts up in bed, gasping for breath, bedsheets twisted around her. The dim scent of soil and dampness lingers. She plants her bare feet on the floor to calm her mind as her grandmother taught her. Grounding her soles toward the root of a distant whispering memory. A melody slips sweetly from her lips... a word sprouts up here and there “Madre…Han Han…”.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The episodes are getting worse. Her doctor recommends yoga, an ancient elixir for anxiety. Marisol’s life has become a series of accidental entanglements she is having a difficult time extricating herself from. She sort of stumbled into a career after college that took on a life of its own.

She didn’t recall applying to be a research associate for the Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden; her advisor had set up the interview.

Locked up in the sterile laboratory with breadfruit was a far cry from the days in her grandmother’s “laboratorio”, but she had access to an impressive botanical library and an array of tropical specimens. Still, she longed for something else, something more.

Many moons ago, her graduate project had taken place in the Everglades, and she missed it. Most people feared swamps, but Marisol felt a kindred familiarity with the wet wilderness endlessly existing in transition, neither all water nor all land.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The autumn breeze makes its way through the long fronds of a palm tree by the front door of the yoga studio like delicate fingers beckoning her...hhhhaaaaaannn. Fear rises in her belly and clamps around her heart. Armed with the desperation of sleep paralysis and a new yoga mat, Marisol slips off her sandals at the entrance. She circumnavigates her way to the only open space in the room next to a mural of the Tree of Life.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Under the light of the harvest moon, many worlds away, the 7 Keepers of the Sacred Trees commune around the rotting trunk of a Tree.

“Hermanas, we are running out of time.”

“We need the girl!” “¿Ha decidido?

The 7th murmurs.The other 6 gather closer. “¿Qué dijo?”.

“Sshhhh...I can’t hear her.”

“Just keep singing...It’s almost time.”

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Section 02

// Get Lit

Section 02

Marisol spent her first 8 years of life with her grandmother, Abuelita Rosa. Her favorite place on earth was the tiny casita hidden amongst the trees behind the main house that Abuelita called her “laboratorio”. The ocean breeze would make its long journey through the lush Puerto Rican landscape, nestling in the leaves of the ceiba trees, whispering secrets. Her grandmother was a well-known healer, la curandera con ojos de color miel. Her work took them all around the varied ecosystems of the island.

Blessed Mother.

Marisol had a green thumb like her Abuelita Rosa. She grew up with her hands and feet in the rich soil. Abuelita Rosa believed that being barefooted grounded you. She knew planting her soles into the soul of the earth was the only way to grow her “raíces’’, the invisible, complex tangle of roots like the mangrove itself that connected you directly to Atabey, our Great Spirit Mother. Marisol still clung to foggy memories of mixing herbal concoctions in the lab while singing and listening to stories about “Las Siete Guardianas de los Arboles Sagrados” - the Seven Keepers of the Sacred Trees.

connected to your roots

Abuelita claimed the songs made the plants come to life, and in their whispers, remedies were born. When her grandmother passed away, Marisol’s parents moved to Florida. As years slipped by, so did the songs and stories.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“The full moon is the best time to let go of that which no longer serves you,” instructed the yoga teacher. “Practice the art of letting go in final relaxation.” Closing her eyes, Marisol plummets into the sweet infinity of savasana. She does not struggle this time when the roots spring from her soles and grow out from her hair. She surrenders to the feeling of being planted into the earth and transported somewhere else.

// Get Lit

Protect us, enlighten us, guide us.

We, your daughters, converted to sisters of soul, that reach into the heart of existence.

We commune as one with the sun, and the moon, the earth, and the sea.

As it was in the beginning, is now and forever.

So let it be.

Instinctively, Marisol kneels before the 7th and gazes into the sweet, honey-colored eyes. Tears spill out as she places one hand on the heart of the one that knows her best and another on the trunk of the Tree. She joins in the song as golden leaves begin to dance and whisper.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When Marisol opens her eyes, she finds herself on the banks of a mangrove swamp surrounded by 6 radiant women and hears the rush of their voices. “¿Nena, Has Decidido?”

“Have you decided?” “¿Entiendes?”

“Look at her! Of course, she doesn’t understand!”

“Pobrecita... I thought we had made it clear, but you know messages sent through the trees can get lost in translation.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have time to explain everything, but you will have to decide soon. We are the Keepers. Someone or thing is trying to destroy the sacred forest, and we need you. It is your choice, but if you decide to help us. There is a chance you may have to stay in this world, a world between worlds. Marisol is dumbfounded, unable to comprehend what is happening. “We must take her to the 7th.

She will know what to do.” Fear grips her again as the Seven rush her to the center of a mystical forest. The golden leaves and branches of a majestic banyan tree reach high into the heavens, but the trunk is withering. Beside it lays the 7th. The Keepers form a circle around them and begin to sing.

Bendita Madre, Protégenos, ilumínanos, guíanos.

Nosotras, tus hijas, convertidas en hermanas de alma conectadas a tus raíces que llegan al corazón de la existencia.

Comulgamos como una con el sol y la luna, la tierra y el mar.

Como era en el principio, ahora, y para siempre Han Han Katu

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Section 02

// Get Lit

Section 02

// Get Lit

POEMS

By Ariana Lobo @a.lobowrites

i tried on a soft dream: spicy summers supple shores singsong skies a southernmost place that speaks only in heated highs

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i slept and i woke

at night we dance

to a place with the spiciest of all

we speak only romance

summers

live purely by chance

of strong and sudden shores

and when it’s right,

with storm-ridden skies

make love beneath the moon

and sunsets that roar

entranced

i lived a vibrant dream

at daybreak we hustle

in a place with the brightest of beams

heave our hearts into the busy bustle

surging southern seas

humid, hot and heavy

nights that cease to be

we live at-the-ready

a potently pulsing place,

our riotous rhythm is what keeps us

a place called Miami

steady

A South Florida City | a. lobo

Living Loud | a. lobo 13

Section 02

// Get Lit

BOOK REVIEW:

CUBA IN MY POCKET WRITTEN BY ADRIANNA CUEVAS

By Alexandra Somellian aka Paperback Pastelitos

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Cuba in My Pocket is a heartwarming and bittersweet novel that will leave you in tears. Adrianna Cuevas is a first generation Cuban-American author, and this is her sophomore novel. This historical fiction novel is loosely based on the author’s father. In this middle-grade story, Cumba and his family are caught in the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961. With Fidel Castro in power, Cumba is faced with the possibility of becoming a child soldier for the Soviet Union. His family arranges for him to live in Florida to prevent the twelve-year-old boy from joining the military. However, when Cumba arrives in the United States, he must navigate a world entirely different from his own.

This book is an emotional read. Many sweet moments throughout the book will remind adult readers of their youth. Cumba lands in Miami during the 1960s, a time when Cubans were scarce in the area. He quickly learns that the United States isn’t just about cowboys and hamburgers. He struggles to fit in with his peers and master the English language. Eventually, Cumba makes many close friends. He realizes that even in a foreign country, there are people who care about him and root for him every step of the way.

The heart of this book is about starting over through pain and trauma. The last page will leave the reader smiling through tears and wanting to hug Cumba, thinking about the hardships many families have endured to come to this country. Cuba in My Pocket is a compelling five-star read that pulls at the heartstrings from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a diverse middle-grade book that takes you through the immigrant experience and a rollercoaster of emotions, then Cuba in My Pocket is the book for you.

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Section 03

// WellBeing

Section 03

PREPARING MY BODY FOR PREGNANCY

// WellBeing

1. Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten If you are currently on any kind of birth control or have ever been on birth control, this book is where you’ll want to start. Dr. Brighten goes in depth sharing the way the pill actually affects fertility and masks our symptoms as women. She provides a path forward for women who want to stop taking hormonal birth control but also a path for women who decide they need to stay on the pill and how they can minimize the negative effects.

Top Reads before Starting a Family

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By Mia Williams

I

stopped drinking, tossed my beauty products, started buying organic, and stopped trusting the water coming out of my shower head all for one Credit: Adobe reason: pregnancy. Pregnancy so often just happens to young women, sometimes unexpectedly. I should know, I’m the product of teenage parents. But when people hear of a young woman actually planning for pregnancy, their eyes nearly pop out of their heads and out comes the unsolicited advice: “enjoy your youth” or “why the hurry?”.

Bringing new life into the world is a privilege that is too often taken for granted. I can go with the flow, but at the moment it seems as though I have quite a lot of power over when exactly my husband and I start our family; I would love to be able to do that with intention and prepare my body for the greatest gift bestowed onto womankind.

Over the past 6 months, I have read half a dozen books ranging from birth control recovery to hypnobirthing, and am currently on a journey to cleanse and prepare my body (and my husband’s for that matter) for pregnancy by changing and forming new habits, such as, starting prenatals; eating organic, in-season groceries; swapping out all products that have toxins; cutting alcohol; and putting water filters on my shower heads. There is so much to learn about fertility and pregnancy especially now with seemingly endless knowledge at our fingertips. There were many moments where the information I would read would literally drop my jaw. I would think to myself, “how did I not know this, how does nobody talk about this?” For instance, researchers have linked the development of things like heart disease, hormonal imbalance, diabetes, and obesity to exposures in utero. Wouldn’t you think that should be common knowledge?

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2. Feed Your Fertility by Emily Bartlett Author Emily Bartlett covers causes of infertility, cultivating fertility, holistic solutions for common infertility issues, and medical fertility options in this easy read. After reading this book, I purchased a water filter for our shower head; threw out nearly all of my cosmetics, toiletries, and household cleaners; and switched to organic groceries. I also started tracking my cycle more carefully, including taking my BBT (basal body temperature) every morning. The information learned is easy to apply into everyday life.

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3. Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols Alain Martinez Photography

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I battled with what exactly to share in this article due to the plethora of information to read. I’ll settle upon sharing the three books you must read ASAP if you’re planning to start a family in the future and why those books have pretty much changed my life.

This book, like the two above, blew my mind chapter after chapter. Lily Nichols debunks myths peddled about prenatal diets and shares what foods pregnant women are seriously missing out on for the health of their growing baby. A few that I have folded into my diet as a result of reading this book are eggs, butter, salmon, and bone broth. She also helpfully includes a link to a list of prenatal vitamins that meet her standards.

I have since expanded my pregnancy- and labor-related book collection but I’ll save those learnings and book recs for a future article. In the meantime, I will be investing and divulging in every book I can get my hands on so you don’t have to. I hope these books prove to be as beneficial to you as they were to me. If you end up giving them a read, let me know what you think on my Instagram @miasmiami.

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Section 04

// Community

Section 04

EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDIT 2022 ELIGIBILITY Find out if you qualify

By Genny A. Castellanos, Esq. and Matthew Andrews, Esq.

S On April 28, 2022, the Business Journal confirmed that businesses can still apply for Employee Retention Credit. 1-2

everal business owners are not aware that their business may qualify for Covid-19 relief funding. The Employee Retention Credit provides business owners with another avenue for funding alternative Paycheck Protection Program.

What is Employee Retention Tax Credit?

A refundable federal tax credit that businesses can claim on qualified wages, including other expenses and costs paid to employees. The credit repays a portion of wages paid by employers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS will send your business a check for the amount you qualify to receive.

Who qualifies?

The credit can be claimed by businesses, including colleges, universities, hospitals, and 501(c) organizations with 500 or fewer full time equivalent employees that meet the qualification criteria. The qualification criteria the employer must show is that it had:

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More than likely your business qualifies for the ERC even if it did not experience a drop in revenue.

Things that qualify you for the ERC include: •

Supply chain disruptions

•

Federal, state, or local mandates required your business to fully or partially shut down

•

Limitations on the number of people you could have in a room or building

•

Inability to attend normal networking events

•

Disruptions to your sales force’s ability to function normally

•

Limited capacity to operate

•

Inability to work with vendors

•

Reduction to the services or goods offered to customers

•

Reduction to the hours of operations

•

Shifting of hours of operations to increase facility sanitation

•

Delayed or canceled projects due to Covid related disruptions

Note: Only full time employees (30+ hours a week) count toward the 500 employee limit; part-time employees do not count toward the limit. If you have more than 500 employees you may still qualify when the actual hours worked are evaluated.

// Community

How much will this cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis. Your company will pay nothing until and unless your company is paid. At the time the calculation is submitted to the IRS an invoice will be generated to your company which is due upon payment of the credit to your company. If your company is not paid, then your company owes nothing.

What is the process and how long will it take?

The filing process depends on how quickly information is gathered by you, your accountant, or an attorney assisting you but in general, takes 4 to 6 weeks to properly evaluate qualification and calculations of the amount to be claimed.

Once the amended tax forms are filed, the IRS may provide the credit within 6-12 months depending on their processing time.

On average payment is taking place within 8 months of the filing date.

REFERENCES 1.

The Business Journal, Andy Medici, Senior Reporter, The Playbook, Apr 26, 2022, Still searching for Covid-19 relief funding? Here’s what to know about ERC. (available at https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/ news/2022/04/26/can-i-still-claim-the-employee-retentio n-credit.html)

2.

Employee Retention Credit, Internal Revenue Service (available at https://www.irs. gov/coronavirus/employeeretention-credit)

Is it too late to apply?

Businesses can retroactively claim the credit for up to three (3) years. Businesses can perform a look-back to determine if wages they paid after March 12, 2020, through the end of the program are eligible for a refund.

What wages can be refunded?

Wages and benefits that are subject to FICA taxes and other expenses paid after March 12, 2020, can qualify for the credit if paid through September 30, 2021.

1.

partially or fully suspended operations due to a government order or

How much is my business claim worth?

2.

can meet the criteria of the economic test.

Businesses can receive up to $26,000 per employee with the average award being around $16,000 per employee.

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Section 04

// Community

Section 04

// Community

CONTRIBUTORS

Ivy, a tarot reader and astrologer with a legacy of three generations of women practicing divination. Tarot became an integral part of her life. Learned from her gifted family, absorbing their intuitive insights and profound connections with the cards whilst combining the wisdom of tarot and astrology, she is now able to offer comprehensive guidance.

Her approach creates a sacred space where she helps clients uncover hidden truths and navigate their paths.

Miami’s diversity has enriched Ivy’s understanding of these ancient arts. And she is grateful to share the transformative power of divination with our community.

Explore the mysteries of the tarot and stars on Instagram @readings_by_Ivy take leadership in your life!

Michael Lauzardo is the artist, illustrator, and visual designer behind Art of Malo and the creator of our awesome logo! A CubanAmerican born and raised in Hialeah, Fl. Strongly influenced by his teenage years spent tagging and skateboarding through the streets of Miami as well as the underground music scene of South Florida. His design aesthetic is a nod to Miami’s pop culture and his lifelong love of comic books.

Check him out on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok @artofmalo.

ABBY GARCIA:

SOPHIA LAMA

MIRIAM MESTRE

Student Artist At Monsignor Edward Pace High School

Growing up in a Cuban American household full of entrepreneurs and hard workers, Sophia became a natural go-getter. Her love of story and passion for production has continuously driven her to expand her expertise relationships in the arena of media.

Miriam Mestre is of Puerto Rican and Colombian descent.

She was born in Puerto Rico but grew up in Miami. She has worked in pediatric clinical research for over 15 years and serves as the managing editor for two medical publications. In 2011, she was sitting in a department meeting where they asked for volunteers to teach kids yoga as part of a new pediatric integrative medicine program – she instinctively raised her hand – it changed her life. It led her to rediscover yoga and fall in love with meditation. She has her 200-hr Yoga, Reiki Therapy, Children’s Yoga, Prenatal, Yin Yoga, and Crystal Master Certifications. During the pandemic, she created a meditation channel youtube.com/LittleLightMeditations.

May your little light always shine bright, Namaste!

MIA WILLIAMS

GINA CASTELLANOS PELAEZ

Mia is a Miami native, born and raised in Hialeah by CubanAmerican parents and grandparents. Inspired by her Hispanic heritage and the sacrifices made by her family, she is drawn to research and the power of knowledge and informed decision making. She is an industrial engineer by day and a writer, reader, yogi by night.

Gina Castellanos Pelaez is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and community activist. She serves her people best hosting events and writing on an array of topics from food reviews to family quips and qualms. As a restaurateur and former high school English Literature teacher, Gina strives to share well-researched information with her readers and social media familia. When she isn’t reading, writing or editing, she’s mothering her 3 children and 2 fur babies. This publication is one of her dreams come true. Thank you for reading. We hope you’ll stick around for more.

Born in America with hispanic history.

Abby Garcia is a high school student with an expansive imagination.

Anything that comes to her mind can become a magical creation thanks to her curiosity and application in digital arts.

ALEXANDRA SOMEILLIAN Alexandra Someillan is a freelance book reviewer and teacher who lives in Miami, FL. She has written for Frolic Media, where she has raved about her favorite Latine romances. She got accepted into a writing mentorship in 2021 and is working on her Latine portal fantasy romance novel with Nina Moreno. Usually, you can find Alexandra obsessing over nineties pop culture and eating too many pastelitos.

You can chat with Alexandra through her Instagram @paperbackpastelitos and TikTok @pastelitoreader

BRENDA POPRITKIN A Cuban-American freelance writer and podcaster with a passion for food, wine, and travel. She authors The Whet Palette blog and produces the podcast by the same focusing on the Miami-Dade and Broward County area food finds. Dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City and nibbling on pastelitos in Hialeah are all part of her canvas. Brenda’s also produces The Disorderly Blondes Autism Podcast, which tackles motherhood and autism from a unique South Florida perspective, Spanglish and all.

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @thewhetpalette

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SASHA DE ALMAGRO PHOTOGRAPHY Miami’s Resident Brand photographer, Sasha creates a collection of lifestyle images for those ready to establish or refresh their business brand.

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Section 04

// Community

Section 04

MIAMI SOCIAL CLUB

T he

// Community

Miami Social Club is brought to you by Miami Food Family

Follow us on

Scan for upcoming events:

Miami Social Club is a group

dedicated to in-person social interactions for families in the South Florida area. Our inaugural event took place in Miami Lakes, FL at the Garrison Taproom on Main Street. Thanks to the hospitality of

Scan me!

owners Alex & Sue, Club members were provided with an amazing beer tasting. Voli305 Vodka got the party started with their Mulitas (guava moscow mules), Tio Colo came in clutch with Cuban pizza and bocaditos de helado (only available in Hialeah!) and Champy’s Seafood wowed everyone with their crazy good fish dip.

Goodie bags were stacked thanks to Eye Candy Miami Lakes, Chifles Chips and Guavette’s Wonderland.

Follow Miami Food Family on Instagram and subscribe to their mailing list for membership options and details on the Back to School (aka Parent New Year) event.

Event decor provided by End of the Rainbow Balloons Event photos provided by Luelle Llorens.

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Section 04

// Community

Section 04

// Community

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

T

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excellence is evident by his prominent career and over 11,000 successful surgeries. Your health is what is most important to us and we are here for your LONG -TERM SUCCESS!

WAY 24

COMPREHENSIVE CARE

FOR ALL YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEEDS

Cristina Sosa’s vision is a comprehensive one. She leads our team of nurses, nutritionist, estheticians, and skin care specialists. Her vision is overall health and wellness for all which is why she has partnered with our subsidiary brands, Med IV and Dream Spa. Stay tuned for new services as we continue to expand.

@THESOSAWAY @SOSAHEALTHANDFITNESS 305-558-0411

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Section 05

// Epocas

HERE COMES THE SUN

Section 05

By Miriam Mestre

Although Miami doesn’t have a set tradition, “magic was thought to be strongest during the summer solstice”1, and what better place to honor this heavenly body that bestows life-supporting light and heat than the magic city? If you have the good fortune of being in the sunshine state on this auspicious day, seize this opportunity to celebrate the official start of summer.

Ways to celebrate the summer solstice •

For the early bird or night owl - Wake up early, grab a cafecito, and watch the sunrise, or dance till the sun comes up. Then, walk barefoot in the morning grass to ground yourself.

•

Gratitude exercise - Go outside and let the sun shine on your face (don’t tell your dermatologist). Think of 3 things you are grateful for on this day, three things that light up your life, and three ways you light up

// Epocas

the lives of others. This activity can be fun to do with children.

•

Heat things up – Build a small fire using appropriate safety measures and in a designated area, like a firepit.

Write down what you want to leave behind prior to entering this new season, toss it into the flames, and watch it burn away. For those looking for something a little more social, fire up the BBQ and invite friends and family over to kick off summer. Take advantage of the long daylight hours to soak up all that fun and sun.

Credit: Adobe

A guide to celebrating the summer solstice.

T

he sun journeys to the most northern point in the sky every year. This year in South Florida, that voyage reaches its pinnacle at 10:57 AM on June 21st. This momentous occasion is known as the summer solstice. It marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is the official start of summer. The word “solstice” is derived from the Latin words “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium” meaning still. The sun appears to stand still for about three days during the solstice due to the Earth’s tilt.

The summer solstice is steeped in traditions and celebrations across the globe. According to History.com, “Humans may have observed the summer solstice as early as the Stone Age. Cultures around the world still celebrate the day with feasts, bonfires, picnics, and songs1.’’ These festivities are also referred to as Midsummer celebrations. The Midsummer Festival in Sweden is filled with food and drink, friends and family, floral crowns to celebrate beauty and fertility, and dancing around a maypole2.

One of the most famous celebrations occurs at Stonehenge, where thousands of people gather to watch the sunrise. “On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the ancient entrance to the Stone Circle, and rays of sunlight are channeled into the center of the monument3.” Iceland has a three-day music festival, Secret Solstice, that boasts “a rave inside a glacier cave and intimate performances in a 5,000-year-old lava tunnel4.” Spain celebrates with bonfires and fireworks, and the Pyrenees villages have fiery celebrations, including carrying flaming homemade torches, “fallas” down the mountainside, drawing shapes in the air with fire, dancing, or lighting a large bonfire in the village square5.

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Ways to honor yourself throughout this season of abundance

•

Summer Affirmations – I shine bright like the sun. I am fearless in the pursuit of that which sets my soul on fire. I radiate joy and abundance.

•

Yoga/Movement – Start your day with an easy, energizing sun salutation.

•

•

Quick Meditation – Gently close your eyes, bringing your attention to your breath. Inhale, imagine breathing in a beautiful ray of sunlight. Feel the warmth and light spreading through your body, filling you with sunshine.

Exhale radiating warmth and joy. Repeat for a few cycles of breath.

Chakra - Manipura (aka third chakra or solar plexus chakra). This chakra is associated with the element of fire.

Located in your upper abdomen between your navel and your sternum. It is where your power and self-confidence manifest and is deeply tied to your identity. It is that fire in your belly. Activate this chakra by focusing on this area and using any of the options listed above. If using the meditation, picture the ray of sun igniting this area.

// Epocas

This June 21st, whatever way you choose to ring in this new season, celebrate the light in your life.

“May the sun shine warm upon your face… until we meet again” Namaste, Miriam

Scan me! youtube.com/ @LittleLightMeditations

REFERENCES

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1.

Summer Solstice. (2017, August 10). History.

Com. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from https:// www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-andenvironment/history-of-summer-solstice

2.

Reynolds, J. M., & Beabout, L. (2022, May 11). 17 Fascinating Summer Solstice Traditions Around the Globe. Reader’s Digest. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.rd.com/list/fascinatingsummer-solstice-traditions-around-globe/

3.

Stonehenge summer solstice: Thousands gather to cheer sunrise. (2019, June 21).

BBC News. Retrieved May 23, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-englandwiltshire-48703632

4.

Secret Solstice 2022. (n.d.). Secret Solstice 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https:// secretsolstice.is

5.

Fire festivals for the summer solstice in the Pyrenees. Fiestas in | spain.info in english. (n.d.). Spain.Info. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/fiestas-firesummer-solstice-pyrenees/

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Section 05

// Epocas

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// Epocas

At the third of our seasonal events series, we welcomed Vanessa of Ecstatic Dance Florida to our collaborative, who generously provided the music to the magic of the day. Find her on Instagram @ecstaticdancefl. Sincere thanks to Miriam of Little Light Mediations and Francesca from SLBL Creations for their continued dedication to our community.

As the earth renews and awakens, as every living being comes to new light & transformation, so then do we.

Special thanks to Eat Me Guilt Free for providing snacks and Earthy Earth Gems of Miami Lakes for the beautiful giveaway rings.

Events hosted and facilitated

by Gina CP of Lady Put Your Pants On

SPRING CELEBRATION

S

pring allows us to experience more light as the lengths of the days increase, reminding us that light always returns after darkness. It is a time to sow; a representation of new life & new beginnings.

Our Spring Celebration this past May, allowed us to dance

on the earth, awakening our inner voices as we turned in to focus on our intentions and plant them firmly with the help of Mother Earth. We connected within a beautiful circle, under the canopy of God’s majesty, supporting each other without words. We let the energy of the season flow in & around us, sinking our hands and feet into the Earth and reaffirming our purpose and existence in this beautiful place we call home.

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“Every fragile beauty, every perfect forgotten sentence, you grieve their going away, but that is not how it is.

Scan me!

Instagram @ladyputyourpantson

Where they come from never goes dry. It is an always flowing spring.”

-Rumi 31

Section 05

// Epocas

Section 05

SU M M E R TA ROTSCO P E READINGS BY IVYSPRING Hi, I’m Ivy, an astrologer and tarot reader! Going back three generations, women in my family practiced divination with tarot and were exceptionally intuitive. I’m glad to continue the tradition in a way that respects the old while embracing the new.

So 2023 has some powerful astrology! We are entering the much-lauded Age of Aquarius when Pluto briefly enters Aquarius in March. Pluto is the planet of secrets revealed and profound transformations. This slow-moving outer planet tends to align with cultural and political movements to show how lasting its impact can be. Currently, Pluto is in Capricorn.

Pluto’s entrance to Capricorn in the 1760s coincided with the American and Industrial revolutions. Pluto’s transition to Capricorn again in 2008 aligned with the housing crisis.

Pluto moving from Capricorn to Aquarius is a big deal! While Capricorn explores themes of tradition, legacy, and the dark side of ambition, Pluto in Aquarius is expected to highlight themes of spirituality, humanitarianism, and technological advancement. Exciting times lie ahead!

We are also experiencing the transition of solar and lunar eclipses this year from the Taurus-Scorpio axis to the AriesLibra axis in May 2023. Eclipses are like supercharged wild cards in astrology that align with the nodes of destiny in our birth charts; they accelerate fated events and bring karmic issues to the forefront. You are forced to face the music or take opportunities that may be rare to appear again.

Their alignment with zodiac signs along an axis highlights complementary themes of karma and destiny. Everyone has all the zodiac signs in their birth charts! Identifying where Libra and Aries are in your chart will tell you the areas of life where you’ll feel the push-and-pull of the eclipses.

Read the following “tarot-scopes” in the order of your rising sign and then your sun sign for the most accuracy. If you don’t know, there are free birth chart generators online. Or you can book a reading with me for an in-depth review of your chart to clarify how these themes will play out in your life!

Universal Card - The World The World represents the successful completion of a life cycle. When the World appears, you’re crossing a critical threshold. This could be an essential rite of passage, or new possibilities are opening up for

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The World

some of us! Numerology and tarot are deeply intertwined; this card is the last of the Major Arcana, meaning it symbolizes the end of a long and dynamic journey. You’ve been through your trials and tribulations. You’ve experienced the valleys and the peaks of an entire volume of your life. Allow yourself to breathe in the presence of your magnitude.

Aries - The Hermit Aries, your superpower is that no one can influence you on how you feel and what you know. Your inner truth is as clear as the sunshine on a cloudless day. You’re being called to look within to seek the answers to any problems. The Hermit’s lantern symbolizes looking at dark, uncomfortable topics with a non-judgmental approach rooted in honesty. Take the time to center yourself, away from others, and look within.

Cancer, you are the mother figure and nurturer of the zodiac.

You give so much of yourself to others. It’s time to focus that loving attention back onto yourself. Take the journey within the realm of your authentic feelings. The moon represents your intuition and instincts, and the red robe of the figure leaving on the unknown path is bold enough to follow their passions. Your deeper instincts can feel confusing if you’re not used to heeding their messages to you. This is the time to follow what you want and what makes you happy!

Leo - 5 of Cups When Leos are sad, the whole zodiac feels it! The usually proud and magnificent lion is a sight to see when it feels remorse or grief. There is a sense of something lost, and Leo, you may be entranced by negative thinking. If you’re traditionally a problem solver, it can feel demoralizing and challenging to be at peace when you don’t have a solution for the pain or frustration. But look, two cups remain standing! There is hope yet.

Virgo - 5 of Wands

The Hermit

Taurus - 5 of Pentacles You may be stuck in a vicious cycle of poverty consciousness.

Poverty isn’t just a financial condition one suffers; it’s also a state of mind. “I’m just not good with money.” “Why am I so worthless?” “It’s my fault if something bad happens.” The people depicted in the 5 of Pentacles are cold and tired, but they don’t feel worthy of stepping into a warm sanctuary to survive the winter’s night. How are you denying yourself what you need to succeed?

Gemini - Judgment The Judgment card comes before the World, so listen, Gemini!

Judgment symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and restoration. Judgment isn’t a “bad omen” card; instead, it’s an invitation to step out of the mental graves of fear, hopelessness, avoidance, procrastination, and other self-limiting behaviors. You are being called to implement the lessons learned from the tests and challenges life has thrown you.

The World is simply around the corner. Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Cancer - 8 of Cups

There’s feistiness and rivalry in the air for you, Virgo! You’re embroiled in a battle of the minds at home or work. Everyone wants to come out on top, but it’s challenging to determine who is running in first place. Life is a series of competitions, and your hardworking, perfectionist tendencies are well-attuned to this fact. But all-or-nothing thinking sets us impossible standards that can never be attained. Do you constantly compare yourself?

Life isn’t always about winners or losers. Focus efforts on understanding the higher goal or moral of the story here.

Libra - 7 of Pentacles Hardworking Libras, pat yourselves on the back! It’s no wonder that your symbol is the scales of justice. Maintaining that balance in your life, at home, and work takes a lot of effort! Acknowledge and appreciate your progress. Stop ignoring or minimizing your successes! This card always implies much has been done, but there’s still more work. You’ve gotten over the hump of starting something, which is usually the most challenging step. Be consistent and tend to the garden of your efforts until harvest time.

Scorpio - Knight of Pentacles

The Judgement

Practicing patience and perspective when our current life doesn’t meet up to expectations can be challenging for you, Scorpio. This is a time to use setbacks and still moments as opportunities to survey the land for opportunities. To become a king, the Knight needs to prove that he can make a field grow.

Out of all the knights of the tarot deck, the Knight of Pentacles is the only one standing perfectly still on his horse. This is the time to listen to the Universe to see the teachable moment in this chapter of your life.

Sagittarius - The Fool There couldn’t be a better card to describe your nature, Sagittarius! The Fool invites us to embrace freedom, humor,

and new adventures with the enthusiasm of a child. You are free to go wherever you choose because you are beginning a new chapter in your life. The presence of white in the image of the Ffool is significant: white is the color of purity, innocence, and spiritual light. The rose is white, the dog is white, and the sun’s light is white. Perceive this exciting new start through the lens of your spiritual development. Seize the day!

// Epocas

The Fool

Capricorn - 2 of Swords Capricorn, you are the planners and executors of the zodiac!

Moments of stillness and uncertainty are unsettling to you.

The Two of Swords invites you to make peace with feeling “in-between.” Find your center amid the events or chaos surrounding you. Make certain vital decisions, and then let go and trust. Notice how the woman holding the figure is in between phases in every layer of the image. In between the land and sea.

Between the new moon and the full moon. In between the two swords, she is holding. Yet she is achieving complete balance, simply trusting in what’s coming next.

Aquarius - King of Swords Kings are the last cards in each suit, signifying the end of a journey while mastering a lesson. The suit of Swords is the most difficult in the Tarot, but also the most healing and where the most profound transformations happen. The King of Swords asks how you might limit yourself based on your assumptions.

Approach any questions in your life with clarity, evidence, and reason. Like you, Aquarius, the King of Swords, is a fixed personality. You know what you’re about and what you want to achieve. You are an air element, so relying on your intellect and keen sense of perception is your strength. You never pick up something powerful like a sword without knowing what to do with it. Own what you got, and move forward boldly!

Pisces - The Lovers The most romantic card for the most romantic sign! However, The Lovers does not just concern itself with romantic love. This includes relationships with friends, family, and, most importantly yourself. Pisces, you are being asked to reconcile different aspects of you that must be brought into harmony to regain perspective. You are the most spiritual and compassionate sign of the zodiac.

Your sensitivity is your strength.

You can heal any situation and free yourself from suffering by viewing any situation through authentic love and radical acceptance.

The Lover

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Section 06

// Food Culture

Section 06

Perhaps those restaurants are simply trying to explain their style as MICHELIN-inspired. Maybe their executive chef once worked at a starred restaurant elsewhere.

Whatever the reason, using those terms in Florida before June 2022 or anywhere else but the official states included in the Guide is misleading and false advertising.

THE MICHELIN GUIDE ARRIVES IN MIAMI

3. Miami diners seem to have an absurd fear of being cheated out of food at fine dining establishments. Not everything needs to be super-sized for it to be deemed impressive. Many diners feel content with paying a higher price for basic food as long as it is a large piece of meat coupled with a loaded baked potato and molten lava cake for a special occasion. But, better quality and rare ingredients do cost more. Restaurants at the Two and Three-Star levels usually offer set chef-tasting menus made up of a series of small courses. It’s time to elevate our expectations.

Let the stars shine upon Florida

By Brenda Poprikin

THE RATINGS EXPLAINED The MICHELIN Guide states,

“Restaurants may receive

L

ast summer, we entered a new culinary phase for our city. The excitement was real and electric in the same way one anticipates and then sips that 3:05 pm cafecito.

Miami, Orlando, and Tampa finally joined the culinary likes of New York City & Westchester, California, Washington DC, and Chicago with their own MICHELIN Guide. Our gateway location, easily accessible from most major airports as a quick stop or final destination, sets us up for success and will positively impact Florida’s revitalized tourism efforts.

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zero to 3 stars for the quality of their food based on five criteria: quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in his cuisine, value for money and consistency between visits.”

One Star: A very good restaurant in its category.

Two Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour.

Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.

Bib Gourmand: Recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.

// Food Culture

12 Key Things You Need to Know 1. Florida did not have any MICHELIN-Starred restaurants until June 2022. The Guide added 15 new restaurants—four One Star restaurants in Orlando, 10 One Star restaurants in Miami, one Two Star restaurant in Miami, and 29 Bib Gourmands.

2. In the United States, the MICHELIN Guide is only published in California, New York City & Westchester County, Chicago, and Washington DC. That is, until Florida was added. Therefore, only restaurants in these areas can authentically claim to have a starred restaurant. Sometimes, local media and new restaurants loosely and irresponsibly use “Michelin,” “MichelinStarred,” or “Michelin-Starred chef” in their advertising.

4. Decor, service, and atmosphere are said not to influence the final star rating. The MICHELIN Guide states those categories are rated separately via 1-5 crossed spoon/fork symbols ranging from “quite comfortable” to “luxury in the traditional style.” Finding a Three-Starred restaurant in the United States that does not deliver a near-perfect experience in those three categories is difficult. There, one will encounter exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail (maybe ironing tablecloths mid-service or measuring stemware placement). South Florida has some beautiful restaurants. Stellar and consistent service has improved. But the combination of remarkable decor, service, and atmosphere remains an ongoing struggle. When it comes to the Guide, this will be obvious if we continue to not place in the Three-Stars category.

5. There’s no such thing as a MICHELIN-Starred chef.

Chefs cannot take off with the stars, nor do the stars transfer to another restaurant owned by the same chef. MICHELIN explains, “Having worked in a Michelinstarred restaurant or even owning a string of three-starred establishments doesn’t make one a Michelin-starred chef – because the term doesn’t technically exist. The MICHELIN Guide awards stars to restaurants based on the quality of the food they serve, and not to individuals.

The world-class meals are often the collective efforts of an entire team, and not one man (or woman) alone.”

Every time you hear about a supposed “MICHELIN Star chef arriving in Miami,” know that the Guide does not work that way.

A chef who runs a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in New York

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// Food Culture

Section 06

does not take their star(s) along for the ride. Instead, any stars earned stay behind with the restaurant and existing team, even if it’s a group that was never involved in the work leading up to the award.

Chicago, and San Francisco. However, we do not have any spots remotely close to what typically scores as a Three Star, such as New York’s Per Se, California’s Singlethread, or Virginia’s Inn at Little Washington. In those highly acclaimed restaurants, you will find diners in suits or sports jackets, more discreet music levels, and an overall formal vibe. It is nice to have well-rounded options to compete with other cities for those interested in it. There’s a certain romance to an evening when everything flows perfectly, the food is stellar, and the wine pairs nicely. And, regardless of the work it takes to deliver a two to three-hour dinner, it still feels effortless.

6. Chefs can’t technically return a star. It’s an award. It’s an opinion. Sure, restaurants receive a plaque, and someone can throw that out or mail it back. But it’s a placement on a list. It’s their guide. One does not have to agree with what they publish at all.

7. Do we have enough qualifying restaurants for the Guide to rate properly? Florida’s inaugural list kicked off with 15 restaurants, ten of which are in Miami. For comparison purposes, when DC debuted its Guide, it started with only eleven 1-Star and two 2-Starred restaurants. A 3-Star rating was not awarded to any establishment until its second year.

Rest assured, high prices, arrogance, and pretentiousness do not equal fine dining. Three-Starred restaurants elsewhere are known to be inclusive and inviting. So let us avoid confusing Miami bling, labels, and fancy cars with class and quality.

8. Prices will increase. Prices will continue increasing at those restaurants receiving one star or two, and definitively if and when they receive three. Who wants to spend “so much” money on “those” dinners? Plenty of diners do. The city has plenty of flavors and price points to please everyone.

Understanding the big picture and what this means for South Florida is important.

12. Getting it right Now that the mystery of the first list has been revealed, there is much anticipation riding on that second release. To truly showcase MICHELIN’s intimate knowledge of Miami, the MICHELIN Guide should continue including restaurants showing our local flavors and strengths. Miami Design District’s family-owned Nikkei-inspired Itamae? Coconut Grove’s Ariete by Cuban American chef Beltran? Brilliant tiny gem Boia De? Yes! Those were all excellent starting points, followed by the addition of chef Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club in Surfside.

9. Reservations will be harder to score. Demand has increased, yes. Scoring those reservations at the higher-rated restaurants now takes careful planning.

10. MICHELIN does not only reward fine dining. The MICHELIN website states: “The MICHELIN Guide isn’t only about fine dining and fancy restaurants. Globally, stars have been awarded to a wide spectrum of restaurants.” Yet, looking strictly at the coveted Three-Star category in the United States, there is a fine dining pattern. Does La Carreta deserve Three Stars? Perhaps in another kind of guide.

However, plenty of casual restaurants can be found on the One and Two Star lists. Understanding the “why” becomes easier once a diner tries several starred establishments.

Restaurants offering a tasting menu take the guest through a culinary journey that might include 12-22 courses. Those are typically small flawless bites showcasing a chef’s technique and personality plus highlighting the quality of ingredients. Flavors usually intensify as the dishes line up and keep guests wanting more. A successful experience should impress and be more than a pop-in dinner at a local pizza joint.

11. What is Miami’s emerging dining style? Does it matter? Florida’s style leans toward casual fine dining, as witnessed in South Beach’s Stubborn Seed and (2023

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// Food Culture

Despite its shiny and new status, Brasserie Laurel by the Ariete Hospitality Group is an early favorite to place in the Guide. With its house-milled flour and casual tasting menu, Coral Gables’ Lion and the Rambler has worked hard all year and merits the MICHELIN accolades. Including (already DC MICHELIN-Starred) Fiola Miami in the 2023 edition seems like a natural progression.

Newcomer, The Tambourine Room has made a quick splash and is a natural fit—maybe even as a wildcard inclusion for the Two Star category.

Floridians should hope the MICHELIN Guide understands our nuances and does not merely “bring its talents to South Beach.”

For those who prefer to host “stars“ for social media clout instead of actually earning them the right way, hopefully, MICHELIN continues to focus, highlight, and reward the real work of local establishments.

hopeful) Brickell Key’s NAOE, which lists “casual and comfortable” as their dress code. These restaurants offer fantastic tasting menus and phenomenal service without any formality. Miami’s sole two Star recipient, L’Atelier de Jöel Robuchon, resembles others in New York City,

The MICHELIN Guide Florida 2.0 is around the corner. For now, get out there and support your favorites, or maybe try something new. From my palette to yours, cheers! Brenda Popritkin is a South Florida based luxury food, wine and travel writer and podcaster. @thewhetpalette thewhetpalette@gmail.com

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// Food Culture

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CUBAN-AMERICAN RECIPES

By Miami Food Family

Cuban(ish) bread pudding Bread pudding dates back to the 11th century.

Later known as the poor man’s pudding, it was invented as a way to make use of leftover bread.

Consumed mostly by the lower classes, it was a common dish made sweet or savory, that could be found in many countries. The dish has evolved since, now using fancier fresh breads.

But, for our version, we are sticking to its original purpose and making the best of stale old bread.

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The traditional recipe tends to be dense and custard-like (similar to flan), so we decided to change things up a bit to make it more CubanAmerican. The bottom is thick and moist; the top crunchy sweet, then dressed with intoxicating guava sauce. Throw on a slab of cold cream cheese, and it is a Cuban American confection made of tropical dreams.

// Food Culture

Ingredients:

Guava Sauce Topping

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1-2 loaves of old Cuban bread

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¼ cup guava marmalade

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1 cup white sugar

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¾ maple syrup grade a or b

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6 eggs

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1 cinnamon stick

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1 tbsp vanilla extract

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2 tbsps spiced rum

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1 can evaporated milk

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1 can condensed milk

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1 tsp nutmeg

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2 tsps cinnamon

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½ tsp salt

Directions: 1.

Grease baking sheet and set oven to 350 degrees

2.

Cube Cuban bread loaf into 1” cubes

3.

Cream eggs and sugar

4.

Add remaining ingredients into bowl and mix

5.

Pour mixture over the cubed Cuban bread

6.

Place tray in oven for 30-45mins at 350 degrees till top is crisp

Mix ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer over low heat.

As soon as it begins to simmer, take off heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Top bread pudding with guava sauce drizzle and serve with a piece of cream cheese. ¡Buen provecho!

Follow Miami Food Family on Instagram or subscribe to their YouTube channel for more hispanic inspired recipes: https://www. youtube.com/@miamifoodfamily4270

Scan me!

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Section 06

// Food Culture

ABUELA’S PLANT BASED KITCHEN: a new cookbook

Section 06

A

buela’s Plant-Based Kitchen is a celebration of multigenerational Latin cooking for the modern home cook. Karla Salinari introduces readers to plant-based cooking by “flipping” traditional Latin recipes with whole, high-quality ingredients.

Inspired by her upbringing in two culinary worlds—one vegetarian and one based on traditional Puerto Rican cooking.

Abuela’s Plant-Based Kitchen offers 75 plant-based recipes influenced by family tradition and the simple joy of eating well.

Focusing on bold seasoning and aromatic flavors, the dishes in Abuela’s Plant-Based Kitchen honor the richness of Latin cooking and prove that you don’t need to miss out on nostalgic,cultural meals while eating cleaner.

Salinari’s educational, friendly approach helps readers reframe

By Karla Salinari

their attitudes around food. This collection of easy, flavorful “flipped” recipes are guaranteed to bring both older and younger generations to the table.

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Karla Salinari is a Certified Holistic Health Coach who specializes in the plant-based lifestyle.

Karla works with clients to meet their health goals through a highly individualized approach that yields transformative, longlasting habits.

Her popular Instagram account

@TheLatinaHealthCoach inspires others to reconnect with their favorite cultural dishes in a healthier way. The enthusiastic response from followers led to her upcoming cookbook, Abuela’s Plant-Based Kitchen (Skyhorse Publishing, April 2023).

Karla earned a certification in Holistic Nutrition from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City and she’s a frequent TV guest expert on Telemundo and NBC. Born in California and raised in Miami & Puerto Rico, she now lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter.

www.KarlaSalinari.com Instagram @TheLatinaHealthCoach Facebook & Twitter @TheLatinaHealthCoach Health expert on NBC & Telemundo

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// Arts

Section 07

OPEN SUBMISSIONS South Florida creatives, it’s time to share your vision and voices with us here at 95 South Magazine.

Open to short story writers, poets, photographers and artists in any facet/medium. Tell us what you are creating and let’s see how we can collaborate.

Here’s a quick list of some throwbacks that make summer feel warm and cool all at once.

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Dirty Dancing (Parent discretion is advised)

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Grease

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Sandlot

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High School Musical 2

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Vicky Cristina Barcelona (this one is not for kids)

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The Parent Trap (the original)

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National Lampoon’s Vacation

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Stand By Me

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Mystic Pizza

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Endless Summer

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Weekend at Bernie’s

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Long Hot Summer

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Adventures in Babysitting

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What About Bob

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Rat Race

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In the Heights

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The Goonies

95 South playlist

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Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead!

Scan this code and add songs that

•

Bird Cage

remind you of what it’s like driving to

•

Caddy Shack

Send us an email: Contact@95southmagazine.com

Scan me!

and from Miami.

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Summer is here, cue mid afternoon rain storms which make for the perfect movie watching weather.

A BBY ’S A RT

Section 07

// Arts

Creative Young Arts: Submission by Abby Garcia To submit your work email: contact@95SouthMagazine.com and write “Creative Young Arts Submission” in the subject line.

Artwork will also be featured on our digital platforms.

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Section 8

// Florida Legends

DAVID FAIRCHILD, FATHER OF FLORIDA FOODS & FOLIAGE

By Gina Castellanos Pelaez

S

Section 8

Up until the end of the nineteenth century, most Americans ate based on subsistence rather than enjoyment. Some folks ate what was needed to survive and maximize their dollar while minimizing waste. But as a new century approached, appetites broadened, and the dining experience began to matter. David Fairchild, a botanist with an insatiable lust to explore the world, made it his mission to find new foods that would enchant the American eater

ome may argue that the cultural scene in Miami is as shallow as its native trees, floating through the

// Florida Legends

and

sustain

the

American

farming

community. He happened to make one of his homes in Miami. And his botanical contributions broaden the palette of America.

water like the Everglades, skimming

David Grandison Fairchild was born on April

superficially, clinging onto the surface

7, 1869 in Lansing, MI and raised in Kansas.

yet never quite rooted in anything. But

He graduated from Kansas State College of

that is the beauty of South Florida,

Agriculture with a B.A. in 1888 and then a Masters

evergreen, ever changing.

Miami’s identity is like the rotating belt of the latest sushi crazed concept, constantly revolving, creating a diverse and fluctuating environment. Perhaps it has been a matter of the transient communities, stopping briefly in this place as they make their way to the rest

of Science in 1889. He continued his studies at Iowa State and at Rutgers University. Fairchild was an American botanist and plant explorer.

He established crops for agriculture such as pistachios, mangoes, dates, and introduced over 200,000 exotic plants to the U.S.

of the world, like so many others who established this

A food explorer, the likes of Anthony Bourdain,

wondrous place.

who impacted agriculture so profoundly in South Florida that if not for him, most of the foods we know and love as South Floridians would not have been available to us today. Thanks to David Fairchild and his wealthy financiers Barbour Lathrop & Allison Armour, foods like avocados and kale have a place in American agriculture.

And his discoveries and contributions weren’t limited to just food; from Egypt, he sent a variety of cotton that revolutionized the industry. Even the cherry blossoms that color our nation’s capital in the spring are thanks to Fairchild’s travels to Japan. He single-handedly transformed the U.S. into the most diverse food system created to date.

The major shift that occurred through Farichild’s explorations was that more diverse foods were brought to farm in the U.S. He was an originator much like Alexander Graham Bell, his father-inlaw, and Alexander Graham Bell is to the iPhone what Fairchild is to the avocado. Both industry innovators that changed the landscape of their fields forever. His is an awe-inspiring story that changed American cuisine and eating habits via farming and production.

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Section 8

// Florida Legends

Section 8

// Florida Legends

For a small fee you can literally immerse yourself in plants

They do offer military and some other discounts. Self guided

he planted as if walking in his footsteps. (personal note from

tours start at $7.

our co-editor Miriam-I really do recommend the guided

Garden Hours:

tour - it was fascinating.)

Prices on their website for guided tours as follows:

Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Open Saturdays: June 24, July 29 and August 26

•

Adults (18 years and above) – $27

•

Seniors (62 years and above) – $22

•

Students with school ID – $22

•

Children 6-17 years – $12

•

Children 0-5 years – No cost when accompanied by

a few local, unique shops as well as a beautiful, old Florida

paying adult

Tea Room.

Want to immerse yourself in local plant revere for free?

Head to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, located at 2000 Convention Ctr Dr, Miami Beach, FL which hosts an array of local foliage much of which we can attribute to Fairchild’s findings. Or take a stroll through Cauley Square, 22400 Old Dixie Hwy, surrounded by lush greenery and sprinkled with

..the avocado is a food without rival among the fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise.

- David Fairchild

Later, Fairchild built a home on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, now known as The Kampong, sitting on 8 acres of land and established in 1926. He planted rare tropical trees and plants on his property and eventually wrote a book about his experience called “The World Grows Round My Door”. As part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens,

“I am glad that I saw a few of the quiet

Kampong Gardens, Fairchild’s winter home in South Florida

places of the world before the coming of

where he planted most of the trees still growing today and

automobiles...”

was donated to the National Tropical Garden in 1984.

-Fairchild on his travels

For more of Fairchild’s life adventures, check out Daniel Stone’s The Food Explorer: The Adventures of a GlobeTrotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats.

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//

I N T O S P R I N G

Section 9

Local Secrets

SUMM ER

Section 9

A Road Trip Guide to the Florida Springs

I

//

Local Secrets

Day 2: Grab your inner tubes and goggles and get out to the spring. Swim, float, sunbathe. There is no rush.

magine spending a summer day in the cool, crystal clear waters of a swimming hole that dates back to the early 1900s, surrounded by lush flora and fauna. Then, lulling the

night

away

grilling

burgers and sipping fresh lemonade from the comfort of your campsite just a few steps away. As the sun sets, the campground quiets and simultaneously becomes alive in a different sort of way.

Folks gather beside campfires, walk the grounds, or bike around and meet their temporary neighbors. It’s not modern in the slightest, which helps time stretch.

Living stories in nature and then sharing them at the end of a blissfully spent day.

Lunch back at your site and Florida is the chosen destination of

then try another spring inspired

tourists around the world for more than

activity like kayaking as the sun

just beaches. There are over 700 natural

sets.

springs throughout our sunshine state.

If you’re lucky, you might catch

Each spring and park offers a unique way

some fireflies dancing at dusk

to play and relish Florida’s natural bounty.

or hear the rustling of wild

The water is always cool, ranging between

bunnies settling in for the night.

68-72 degrees with park listed activities

Whip out the smores kits and

from scuba diving to kayaking. Visitors

flashlights and make a night of

can go canoeing, tubing, or snorkeling;

hanging outside by the fire, even

pack a waterproof camera and capture

when it’s summertime hot, the

the sights and sounds beneath the water

nights are breezy within the lush

like colorful schools of fish, turtles, or even

landscape of the canopy.

swim alongside a manatee. Prefer to stay dry, lounge waterside with a picnic and try to spot a white ibis or bald eagle.

Let the coveted summertime last just a bit longer by taking the type of vacation that helps everyone slow down and get back to basics…camping. Don’t worry; A/C is available in the comfort of a cabin or RV while at the springs.

IDEAL 4 DAY ITINERARY FOR A TRIP FROM MIAMI:

Day 1: Rent an RV from Cruise America for $89$188/night with enough room for up to 7ppl (we’ve fit 4 adults and 4 kids). Then reserve a site at a state park like Silver Springs or Wekiwa State Parks for as low as $24/night.

Pick up your RV and pack with board games, flashlights, flip flops, swimsuits, and towels. Prepping the RV for travel is already part of the vacation fun.

Everyone picks a nook, brings along their favorite blanket, book, and pillow and you’re off in PJs if you’d like.

Gas up, load the fridge, grab some quick food to eat on the road, and make your way to the campgrounds before nightfall to enjoy your first BBQ.

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Section 9

//

Local Secrets

Day 3: Take a sunrise hike on the paths alongside the springs or

Time outdoors is imperative to our overall health and

through the park and listen as the place fills up with water

wellness and yields quality time with those we love, but

seekers. Catch the early morning fogs looming over the

let us remember that we must do our part to preserve our

water as the mockingbirds and muck ducks slowly wake

resources for generations to come.

up to the day.

For lunch, have a picnic and people watch. It’s always such fun to witness people getting into the cool waters for the first time.

In the early afternoon, do a little nature walk and try to find wildlife. Most parks provide a list of animals that can be seen within the park grounds. Make sure to chat with park rangers.

It helps to create some guidelines when it comes to the use of technology while on this sort of getaway. My family knows this phase as “mandatory fun”: phones and laptops get put away, everyone has to clock in a certain amount of outdoor hours and s’mores will most definitely be made.

“Most people who see the springs for the first time today are impressed by their beauty, but someone who experienced them years ago might be struck by how they’ve changed…. increases in population, development, and intensive agriculture in Florida have resulted in increased groundwater withdrawals which can affect water quality….and have a negative impact on spring flows.”

Day 4:

https://floridasprings.org/take-action/

Strike camp after an early morning breakfast.

The way we use water at home affects our water

Take one last dip in the springs and, as you make your way back home, stop at one of the local towns along the way for quaint shops and lunch at a mom-and-pop shop

Read more about our efforts here:

supply and natural resources beyond littering the

Scan me!

actual springs. Here are some easy ways to minimize negative impacts: 1.

Reduce water use at home by turning faucets off.

2.

Plant and landscape using native Florida varieties;

Vida Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the cultural preservation

If RVs aren’t your thing, there are some state park cabin

cut use of chemicals and pesticides. https://www.

and development of South Floridian history. Our mission is to celebrate, honor,

rentals available starting at $95/night for 2ppl. Pets are not

south- florida-plant- guide.com/native -plantlandscaping.html

and safeguard the rich heritage of this diverse region, promoting a deeper

permitted in the cabins, but linens are provided. Whether

(we love Blue Springs Pizza right outside the park limits at Blue Springs Park).

in a cabin or RV, you will need to bring food, drinks, and toiletries, as most state parks do not have on-site food

3.

understanding and appreciation of its cultural significance. Through innovative

Conduct septic tank inspections and note the 3ps: only flush paper, poo, and pee.

purchasing options.

4.

https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/

and

https://1000fof.org/.

5.

Talk to your state reps regarding local policies and consider “Saying NO to Nestle.”

6.

Stay

informed:

educate

yourself

to

increase

community involvement & information.

7.

to preserve the stories, traditions, and unique experiences that shape the fabric of South Florida. By highlighting the past, present, and future of our vibrant

Get involved with organizations fighting for change like:

media initiatives, educational programs, and community engagement, we strive

Vote to ensure the protection of our natural resources. #saveoursprings

Next vacation, commune with nature and get into your

community, Vida Media aims to inspire connection, foster pride, and contribute to the sustainable cultural growth of our region for generations to come.

Please contact our Director of Major Gifts, Mia Williams for donations Mia@vidamedia.org Copyright 2023 Vida Media Project, all rights reserved, Vida Media Project is a 501.c.3 not-for-profit organization www.vidamedia.org

environment. Bring the family along and enjoy the majesty of our abundantly beautiful sunshine state.

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Section 01

// Columns

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